CUIMC’s STEM Pathway Programs Open Doors for the Next Generation

While summer is a great time to visit the beach or canoe a lazy river, at CUIMC it is also an opportunity for young people to explore science, technology, and medicine and the jobs and careers available in these fields.

Numerous schools, departments, and offices across CUIMC use the summer months to offer a variety of programs to students—from middle schoolers to undergraduates—who might not have other opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and medicine (STEM).

What follows is a sampling of summer pathway programs, from single-day experiences to multi-week programs, offered by CUIMC faculty and staff.

Columbia Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI)

Columbia Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI) works closely with two community groups, STEAMpark and HYPOTHEkids, to produce two days of immersive activities for middle-school and high-school students.

Students participate in hands-on lab activities, listen to CSCI PhD students, postdocs, and staff talk about their career paths and experiences in science, and hear from the Columbia admissions team about financial aid and the admissions process.

Health Sciences Exploration and Research Experience (CU-HERE)

CU-HERE offers four two-week summer observerships hosted by the Department of Surgery. The observerships immerse high school students from Washington Heights, Harlem, and the Bronx in the dynamic world of clinical medicine and research.

Participants have the unique opportunity to observe medical professionals at all levels, including doctors, nurses, and medical students, throughout the hospital. The program includes hands-on experiences across various environments, from operating rooms, clinics, and research labs to angiography suites and intensive care units.

Pre-Medical Emerging Program (PreMEP)

Organized by the Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, the Pre-Medical Emerging Program (PreMEP) provides students with an immersive educational experience designed to strengthen their preparation for future studies and careers in medicine, science, and healthcare.

Through academic enrichment, mentorship, hands-on learning, and exposure to medical and scientific environments, PreMEP helps students build foundational skills, explore healthcare career pathways, and gain a deeper understanding of the educational journey toward becoming a healthcare professional.

Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)

SHPEP is a six-week summer enrichment and residential program for first- and second-year college students interested in the health professions. The program at Columbia began in 1989 and has been supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Through seminars, simulations, and supervised clinical experiences, Columbia SHPEP has supported students who are interested in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and physical therapy. The 2026 edition of the program, hosted by the School of Nursing, marked the end of the foundation’s commitment.

Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP):

SPHSP, hosted by the Mailman School of Public Health, is designed for junior or senior-year undergraduates or recent baccalaureate degree students who are interested in pursuing public health or biomedical science careers.

This is a rigorous program that includes public health coursework; hands-on field experience and immersion in multi-sectoral public health issues; seminars and lectures with public health leaders; and mentoring by faculty members, ensuring students' exposure to the breadth and importance of public health as a career option.

State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)

S-PREP is a free high school and college preparatory program designed for 7th - 12th grade students who are interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or medicine.  

The purpose of the program is to prepare and inspire students to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields by providing academic enrichment, career exploration, and opportunities for continued growth. S-PREP is organized by the Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and is a New York State Education Department Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP). 

Summer Program for Undergraduate Rising Stars (SPURS)

SPURS provides an intensive summer science experience for college students who aspire to join the biomedical science workforce. Each summer, 30 to 35 students are mentored by Columbia scientists and spend two months conducting research in Columbia labs.

In addition to specific training in a particular research area, the students receive in-depth training in biomedical research methodology, including: (a) design and analysis of experiments; (b) critical reading of the scientific literature, through journal clubs; (c) the presentation of scientific results at laboratory meetings and poster sessions; (d) preparation of abstracts and manuscripts describing the results of experiments; and (e) career counseling and research ethics.

YES in THE HEIGHTS

Youth Enjoy Science (YES) in THE HEIGHTS, hosted by the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, is a summer internship for high school and undergraduate students that aims to increase the pool of youth entering STEM fields.

Over two summers, YES students gain hands-on experience in cancer research by working alongside world-renowned researchers and oncologists. The 8-week program includes a formal orientation, hands-on scientific training as well as training in academic etiquette and professionalism and requires completion of an Individual Development Plan, submission of a scientific abstract, and for students in their second year with the program, presentation of findings.