Summer Scholars

30 Hours/Week Running June 2, 2025 to August 7, 2025 (Monday-Thursday)

For Rising College Juniors or Seniors

This opportunity offers you the possibility to engage in a variety of hands-on activities such as:

• Participation in a mentored research project
• Clinical and non-clinical observations
• Research methodology instruction and support

Clinical and non-clinical shadowing opportunities may be available across a variety of departments. You are paired with a healthcare professional and may get a chance to observe morning report on an inpatient unit, an outpatient clinic, a busy emergency room, diagnostic test, or even a surgery.

Opportunities to participate in the simulation center may also be available.

The mentored project will pair you with an employee or partner organization engaged in their own research or quality improvement project. You may assist in a range of study activities such as, protocol development, building a database, data entry, or data analysis.

Eligibility

Required

• Entering your junior or senior year in an undergraduate program for the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Articulated interest in healthcare, public health or medical research as a career option (see application below).
• Resident of Franklin, Hampshire, or Hampden counties in Massachusetts.

Preferred

• Graduate of a public school supporting residents of Springfield, Massachusetts (e.g., district school, charter, school choice).
• Previous participant in the Baystate Summer Academy.
• Previous connection to and/or participation in Baystate Health-sponsored activities or programs.

Note: While academic record is considered in the review process, it is not a primary criterion.

Program Goals

The Baystate Summer Scholars program aims to introduce you to a career in healthcare by providing you with:

• Exposure to research design and conduct associated with medicine, public health, or population-based healthcare.
• Practical experience in one or more phases of research or quality improvement. Completion of a designed project that stands alone or is a subset of a larger research initiative.
• Clinical observations across a variety of disciplines and specialties.
• An environment where you can interact with other students to address research questions, and that promotes independent, self-directed learning.

Paid Internship

• Paid interns will be hired as per diem employees and eligible to earn up to a maximum of $5,100 over the 10-week period. Participants are hired as short-term, per diem employees and paid an hourly rate.

Housing and Parking

• Baystate Medical Center does not offer housing.
• Parking is available at no charge (requires taking a shuttle).

Application Process

To apply to the 2025 Summer Scholars program, complete the online Summer Scholars application (A resume and personal statement will be needed). Applications due April 18, 2025.