Stanford Summer Community College Research Program (SSCCrP) Students - FAQs

The Stanford Summer Community College Research Program (SSCCrP, or "Scrip") is an entry level  summer research program targeting San Francisco Bay and surrounding area community college students who have an interest in pursuing careers in medicine, science, or medical science. The program offers a world-class experience on Stanford University’s medical school campus. Emphasis is placed upon foundational research knowledge, skills and applications that provide participants with the competencies required of an entry-level lab staffer. Participants will receive orientation and instruction in research strategies and research methodology, mentorship, and ongoing career support.

All eligible students are encouraged to apply to SSCCRP. Preference is given to current San Francisco Bay and surrounding area community college students in order to facilitate lasting ties to Stanford School of Medicine and the Office of Diversity in Medical Education (ODME) for ongoing personal, academic, and career development. Participants who successfully complete the program become SSCCRP scholars and receive ongoing advising. They are invited to return to Stanford for additional support, resources, career, and academic advice. SSCCRP Scholars participate in annual program surveys, submit their academic and career updates to ODME, and are featured on our website and ODME newsletter. Participants are expected to supply updated information to report progress toward entering their intended health or science careers. Resources for SSCCRP scholars as alumni are accessible on the ODME web site and through summer program alumni workshops and activities offered throughout the academic year. SSCCRP scholars have the benefit of a larger pre-professional peer network through affiliation with other ODME programs such as the Stanford Summer Community College Premedical Program (SSCCPP) and Leadership Education for Aspiring Physicians (LEAP).

ODME program participants forge friendships of a lifetime and build connectedness to the office and staff for ongoing support including educational and professional recommendations, scholarship and employment resources, and opportunities to give back by serving as paid staff and guest presenters. 

The Stanford Summer Community College Research Program is open to undergraduate community college students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, science, or medical science. To achieve its goal of developing future physicians and scientists who will serve the diverse populations in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond, the selection committee actively seeks applicants from community colleges in the following California counties: Alameda, Monterey, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz. Community college students throughout the state of California are encouraged to apply. 

This program is not open to minors, including high school students attending community college. Post-baccalaureate and university students may apply, but will be considered only once current community college only applicants are reviewed. Students must be current community college students who have not yet begun study at a university whether domestic or foreign. Applicants who have completed their undergraduate coursework whether inside or outside of the US or who have already transferred to university are ineligible. If you have extenuating circumstances, please apply and we will review your application to determine if you will be considered.

There are a variety of programs offered at Stanford from elementary to graduate school. For a list of science-based opportunities, please visit: http://oso.stanford.edu/ to learn more. 

Program dates vary depending on your research placement. There are pre-program orientations four Fridays prior to starting the research assignment to help selectees with paperwork and other access. 

Tentative research assignment dates occur between May 17 and August 3, 2024.

Participants must be able to participate in the entire program to maintain eligibility, attend the program at no cost, and receive a stipend. Participants are expected to commit a minimum of 40 hours per week to their research assignment and attend supplemental programmatic events and activities as scheduled. Selectees are not permitted to participate in other summer experiences (work, classes, other programs). 

The 2024 program will admit up to 5 participants, funding and research opportunities permitting.

The program recognizes that certain circumstances often prevent some students from demonstrating their full academic potential. There is no minimum GPA requirement, however ideal candidates will:

• Demonstrate academic or economic barriers in pursuit of their postsecondary education, as described in the application
• Provide identity documentation at the request of the program (AB540, DACA and undocumented students will be considered on a limited basis with appropriate documentation)
• Be in good academic standing at their college (typically a 2.0 GPA)
• Be a community college student at the time of application
• Not be in post-baccalaureate status having received a degree in the US or other country in any field

SSCCrP offers selectees an opportunityt to gain valuable research experience on the Stanford Medicine campus with mentorship from Stanford researchers, medical students, physicians, faculty, and staff.  Participants also have the opportunity to join the summer premedical program for guest lectures in relevant topics such as Health Disparities, Research Methodology, Health Risk Factors, Ethics in Medicine, and Careers in the Health Professions. SSCCrP participants are placed in a research environment as an independent learner and contributor, however they benefit from  a collaborative approach to learning through peer networking, education,  and leadership by joining summer premedical program events and activities. 

The Office of Diversity in Medical Education (ODME) offers a full scholarship to participants who are eligible and remain in good standing through the end of the program.  

All eligible California community college students are encouraged to apply to SSCCrP. Preference is given to San Francisco Bay and surrounding area community college students to facilitate lasting ties to Stanford School of Medicine and other affiliate institutions through long-term mentoring and personal, academic, and career development. Participants who successfully complete the program become SSCCrP scholars and receive ongoing advising. They are invited to return to Stanford for additional support, resources, career and academic advice. SSCCrP Scholars participate in annual program surveys, contribute to SSCCRP newsletters and supply updated information to report progress toward entering their intended health careers. Resources for SSCCrP scholars as alumni are accessible on the ODME web site and through summer program alumni workshops and activities offered throughout the academic year.

Apply here between December 1, 11:59p.m and March 1, 11:59p.m. to complete the online application.

The application review period begins after March 1 and continues throughout the month of March. Applications are only accepted online. A small number of selectees will be invited to interview between the months of April and May.  

ALL applicants will receive an application status email after April 1st. We expect to receive several hundred applications. It is recommended that you await notification and call for status ONLY if you have not received an update on your application by April 30th. All applicants should expect to receive final notifications on or before April 30th. A small number of applicants will be waitlisted. Those who receive an offer to participate must notify the program of their acceptance by May 15th or the offer may be rescinded. Selectees who accept an offer of admission will be required to attend four pre-program orientation and onboarding sessions. These are mandatory Friday meetings between May and June.

Please visit the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) website for a list of programs throughout the United States, or the National Institutes of Health Summer Internship Program website.

Applicants who are invited to participate should notify program staff immediately. In the past, the program has been able to accommodate one-time, mandated events and activities associated with the college admission and transition process.