The School of Medicine concluded its 34th year of Summer Scholars on Aug. 8, recognizing 48 high school juniors and seniors who completed the four-week program with an awards luncheon at the UMKC Student Union.
Summer Scholars is largely a classroom-based program conducted each July with components in basic science enrichment, exposure to various aspects of the health care field, interviewing and personal development skills, and preparing to apply to a medical school. It also provides minority and underserved students the opportunity to interact with medical students and professionals.
Summer Scholars is made up mostly of students entering their junior year of high school but also includes a program of Advanced Summer Scholars for a handful of soon-to-be seniors who completed the program the previous year. This year’s advanced program included a rotation in oral surgery and a course in research writing.
Students from both programs gave brief presentations of what they learned and will take away from their month-long venture when they return to high school. Each student was also presented with an inspirational book and a certificate recognizing their efforts in completing the program.
The students also heard presentations from UMKC representatives on various topics dealing with attending college, including financial aid, success and learning strategies, and multicultural resources at UMKC.
Summer Scholars started in 1980 when former School of Medicine Assistant Dean for Minority Affairs Reaner Shannon, Ph.D., began an exploratory experience for high school students to encourage those from underserved and minority backgrounds to consider health care fields.
