PROMISE Summer Programs

Summer programs are a great opportunity to explore a scientific topic in depth. Program dates will be announced on February 2, 2026 and registration will open the same day. 

Inside Out: An Anatomy and Health Experience

How do physicians and scientists work together to form innovative solutions to health concerns? In this program, we will explore the causes and effects of pulmonary embolism. Students will learn about the heart and lungs through a dissection and then innovate their own solution to treat the embolism. Participants will need parental/guardian permission to participate in dissection. The program is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open to students in grades 6-8 in the 2025-2026 school year.

Offered two times in Sioux Falls, SD and one time in Fargo, ND.

Finding Your Roots: A Genetics and Genealogy Experience 

What is more interesting than you? In this program, students will use science to answer the question “Who am I?” Students will extract and analyze their own DNA, learn about human evolution, and dig into the stories of their ancestors.

Participants will need parental/guardian permission to submit a DNA sample in April in order to be enrolled in the program. The program is limited to 24 students on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon enrolling, you will be notified within 5 business days of registration confirmation. You must be able to attend all 4 days of this program, partial attendance will not be accepted. Please note that, due to the expenses associated with this camp, a deposit of $100 is required. If the participant attends all four days in their entirety, the deposit will be refunded. If you need information on how to apply for a scholarship, please reach out to sanfordoutreach@sanfordhealth.org.

Open to students in grades 6-8 in the 2025-2026 school year.  

Body Works: Health Careers and Anatomy

Your body is an incredible high-tech machine made of cells, tissues, organs, and systems all working together. During this two-day experience, you’ll dive into real health care careers and get hands-on with the organs and systems those professionals work with every day. Participants will need parental/guardian permission to participate in dissection. The program is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open to students in grades 9 and 10 in the 2025-2026 school year.

The first day of this program will be held on the main Sanford USD Medical Center Campus in Sioux Falls, SD. The second day will be held at Sanford Research, in Sioux Falls, SD.