The Summer Medical Academy (SMA) is for students who have an interest in pursuing a career in healthcare. Highly motivated and enthusiastic students who will be between 15-19 years old in June of the program year AND have completed 9th grade (up until the summer after graduating 12th grade) are eligible to apply. Eligibility does not guarantee acceptance to the program.
SMA Students are accepted with the following key application criteria in mind:
- Unique short answer responses
- Enthusiasm for healthcare
- Academic success
- Extracurricular involvement and service
- Teacher recommendation
- Professional resume
- Consideration will also be given to the following: geographic proximity to San Diego, last grade completed in school, and affiliation with RCHSD
*Proceeds from the Medical Academy program can be used to benefit the FACES for the Future-San Diego program at Rady Children’s Health*
Learning, Doing, Sharing-
Applications for the 2026 Summer Medical Academy will open on December 1st, 2025!
APPLY HERE
The application will be available until February 20th, 2026 at 3 PM PST. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Details and instructions will be included in acceptance letters.
2026 PROGRAM DATES:
Session 1: June 15-26; Session 2: July 6-17, 2026
Cost covers all course, lab, and program materials; t-shirts and scrub pants; and daily lunch. Parking at Rady Children’s is included, but other locations are TBD.
*Please note transportation, accommodations, and visa applications are not provided or coordinated by our program.
How to give yourself the best chance of a successful application:
- Start early. Applications open December 1st and close February 20th, don’t wait until the last week to start your application or ask your teacher to complete a recommendation form.
- Complete all steps thoroughly:
- Fill out Summer Medical Academy application
- Fill out Academic Recommendation form
- Complete payment for the $50 registration form
- Follow up with your teacher to ensure they have completed the recommendation form
- Spend the necessary time on your short answer questions. We want to hear from you and what drives you, be thoughtful and clear in your answers. Have someone proofread them for spelling and grammar errors before submitting your documents.
- Make sure your resume if formatted in a professional manner with dates, descriptions, and clear headings. If you need a template you can refer to these examples:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I need help during the application process?
If you have questions during the application process please reach out to us at medicalacademy@rchsd.org. We will also offer 3 drop in zoom sessions for questions throughout the open period.
Drop in sessions will be:
December 15 from 10-10:30 AM Open Q & A Session
January 16 from 2-2:30 PM Open Q & A Session
February 13 from 12-12:30 PM Open Q & A Session
Are there scholarships available?
Summer Medical Academy scholarships are only available through the generosity of donors to the RCHSD Foundation. We are actively seeking donations and currently have limited funding available. If you are in need of a financial scholarship please complete the scholarship portion of the application.
Scholarship will be need based and if you are selected you will be asked to provide proof of financial need. Some examples of this could include, but are not limited to:
- Attendance at a Title I school
- Free lunch voucher
- Enrolled in public assistance program
- Proof of a qualifying life event
How can I make sure my application stands out?
Make sure your application is thoroughly completed and your short answers are well thought out. Your resume needs to be in a professional format (no lists, screenshots, etc.)
What if I don’t get in?
While we wish we could accept everyone, spots are limited to 42 students per session. We make our decision based off a comprehensive rubric and will put a limited number of students on a waitlist. If you are not accepted this year we do encourage you to apply again or consider being a group mentor once you are in college. Due to the number of submissions we cannot provide individual feedback on an application.
Will transportation and/or housing be provided for students attending the program?
Transportation is not provided and parking is limited. It is encouraged that students get dropped off or carpool when possible.
Housing is not provided, but we can provide guidance for students coming from out of town. Some nearby hotels offer a discount as well.
What should students wear and bring with them to the program?
Students will be given a handbook with dress code guidance once accepted. Students will receive two t-shirts that they are expected to wear throughout the two weeks, as well as scrub pants that they can wear at their discretion. Close toed shoes are also required when at the hospital.
Additionally, we recommend that students bring:
· A reusable water bottle
· A sweatshirt or jacket (the rooms can be a little cold)