High School Research Scholars Program

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PROMISE Scholars Summer Internship

This unique 10-week research internship offers a total-immersion experience in real-time laboratory research at Sanford for motivated high school students with an aptitude for biomedical sciences. Work alongside scientists as part of the research team, connect with peers through in-house scientific interest groups, and present your work as a scientific poster at the Sanford Research Symposium. PROMISE Scholars earn 3 undergraduate elective-credits at the University of South Dakota (BIOC192) and are awarded a $2,500 scholarship.

PROMISE Scholars:

  • Gain Exposure to Real-World Research: Acquire practical experience within a biomedical research laboratory setting.
  • Cultivate Research Proficiency: Develop skills in formulating research inquiries, designing experiments, gathering and analyzing data, as well as interpreting findings.
  • Participate in a Regional Scientific Symposium: Attend and actively engage in a scientific symposium at a regional level. 
  • Discover the Process of Conducting a Scholarly Article Review: Learn to critically assess and discuss scholarly articles through structured Journal Club sessions. 
  • Learn the Importance of Scientific Ethical Principles: Explore ethical considerations inherent in research, encompassing matters such as data integrity, plagiarism, and the ethical treatment of research subjects. 
  • Enhance Communication Abilities: Present scientific findings to peers during laboratory meetings, showcase research through a scientific poster, and compose an essay outlining their projects and experiential journey. 
  • Access Career Coaching Seminars and Investigate Post-Secondary Opportunities: Attend seminars aimed at career guidance and explore prospects in post-secondary education.
  • Engage in outreach activities to bring science to the local community.

Summer Program Details:

  • PROMISE Scholars is a 10-week program scheduled from May 27 - August 1, 2025
  • Scholars must have a strong interest in a research career 
  • Scholars must commit to working the entire 10 weeks (minimum of 35 hours per week), with the exception of five discretionary days
  • Scholars are required to participate in all program workshops and present at the 2025 Sanford Research Symposium
  • Scholars must be at least 16 years old by May 27th
  • Scholars must be entering senior year in the fall of the upcoming academic year (home-schooled students are eligible)
  • Scholars work under the direct supervision of a Sanford Research mentor as part of the mentor's research team
  • Candidates selected for an interview for this program are required to attend a full day science boot camp from 9:00am-3:00pm on Saturday, February 1st
  • Candidates are encouraged to participate in other Sanford PROMISE programming for an introduction to the research environment. Opportunities include: Research Shadowing Program, Teen Science Café and Biomedical Research Investigations

How to Apply:

Please click on the link in the blue box to complete the online application. 

Applications will also require the following:

  • An official or unofficial transcript from your high school(s)
  • Two letters of recommendation, preferably from science or math teachers or previous mentors/employees

Application deadline is Friday, January 10th, 2025. All materials must be received by the deadline. Late applications will not be considered. 

Students from underrepresented backgrounds and historically marginalized/excluded groups are encouraged to apply. 

Please note this opportunity is for regional students as housing is not provided for this summer experience. 

Applications
Applications for summer 2025 are currently available
Application deadline: Friday, January 10th, 2025
Bootcamp notification: Friday, January 24th, 2025 
Applicants will be notified of their status in April of 2025

 

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Become a PROMISE Scholar

Immerse yourself in research in high school.

Apply now

Meet Past Scholars

Makarie Wiebersick

PROMISE Scholar 2024

Montrose High School

"Don’t be afraid to not know the answer and ask lots of questions. Everyone around you has a common goal when interacting with you, they want you to succeed."

Calla Freesemann

PROMISE Scholar 2024

Washington High School

"I liked the hands-on experience that the program provided; there are very few opportunities available for high schoolers interested in research that allow the same level of invested time and learning about science and research. I feel I gained more confidence in my research ability and more clarity in what I would like to do in the future. I also learned how to communicate and collaborate with those around me."

Arthur Tao

PROMISE Scholar in 2023

Lincoln High School, Sioux Falls, SD
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts

"Learned and became familiar with lab techniques such as cell culture, luciferase assay, co-immunoprecipitation, and western blotting: Through rigorous training and practical experience, I acquired a solid foundation in various advanced lab techniques, equipping me with practical skills that are useful for future research endeavors."

Ariana Edwards

PROMISE Scholar in 2022

Washington High School, Sioux Falls, SD
University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

"I was able to meet so many influential people and had the opportunity to convey my knowledge about my project to them which was amazing. I learned a lot about how to communicate my science to other people in a way that allowed them to be excited about it too. You learn so much in such a short period of time it’s amazing!"

Grace DiGiovanni

PROMISE Scholar in 2021

McCook Central High School, Salem SD
University of South Dakota, Vermillion SD

“Throughout the summer, not only did I do hand-on research, I also had the opportunity to collaborate with different research technicians to learn more about their projects. I gained a better understanding of what biomedical research is, and I was able to experience hands on what day-to-day life looks like in the lab.”

Learn More About Grace's Experience

Kevin Shan

PROMISE Scholar in 2017

Madison High School, Madison SD
University of Rochester, Rochester NY
University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester NY

"My time at Sanford Research introduced me to scientific research and deepened my curiosity for the field by leaving me with many basic bench skills and an open door to the immense world of research."

Jasmine Johnson

PROMISE Scholar in 2019

Washington High School, Sioux Falls, SD
University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

“I gained a research lab experience that has been very beneficial for college, a strong connection with the people in my lab and my fellow scholars, and a confirmation that I want to continue to do research and study in a health science field. I feel very lucky to have gotten the full research experience in high school – one that most other students my age don’t get.”

Learn More About Jasmine's Experience

Maycie Schultz

PROMISE Scholar in 2018

Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg, SD
Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD
University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (PhD program in Neuroscience)

“My experiences with Sanford Research cultivated my love for science and inspired me to stick with my passion by pursuing science as an occupation. My lab members provided amazing input regarding research and never failed to cheer me on in my endeavors. Getting into the Sanford PROMISE Scholars Program when I was 17 was the best thing to ever happen to me. Everyone at Sanford Research has helped me truly find who and what I want to be in my future.”

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