SHPEP
Summer Health Professions Education Program
Freshmen and sophomore college students
Summer Health Professions Education Program
(SHPEP)
The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a free program for 1st and 2nd year undergraduate and community college students to explore their interests in medicine, dentistry, and nursing. Scholars participate in a six-week academic enrichment program where they develop competencies for becoming successful applicants to health profession programs, through specialized academic content, simulation activities, and mentorship. Our scholars become future leaders in medicine, nursing, and dentistry and improve health care delivery, policy and research in underserved communities.
SHPEP Program Dates
June 15, 2026 - July 24, 2026
Virtual: June 15, 2026 - June 19, 2026
In-Person: June 22, 2026 - July 24, 2026
- Move-in: Sunday, June 21, 2026
- Move-Out: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Important Dates for the SHPEP Application Process
Application Opens - November 5, 2025
Application Closes - February 5, 2026 at 8:59 p.m. (PST)
Admission Notification - March 15, 2026
About SHPEP
The UCLA/CDU Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a collaborative initiative between the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, UCLA School of Dentistry, UCLA School of Nursing, and the Charles R. Drew University School of Medicine and Science. SHPEP is a nationally funded program supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with technical assistance provided by the AAMC and ADEA.
The mission of UCLA/CDU SHPEP is to serve as a model learning community where students critically examine health care challenges in underserved communities through problem-based learning, clinical experiences, lectures, small-group discussions, and a collaborative research project.
By the end of the program, scholars will have a stronger academic foundation, a clearer understanding of the educational pathways into health professions, and a deeper awareness of the urgent need for health care professionals in underserved areas.
SHPEP is a free six-week intensive summer program that provides academic enrichment, professional development, and exposure to a variety of health careers. The curriculum includes:
Academic Enrichment
Scholars participate in workshops that build essential skills in analytical reading, study strategies, time management, and research techniques. Problem-based learning (PBL) activities led by current medical, nursing, and dental students allow scholars to analyze clinical cases and develop action plans, reinforcing concepts from physics, general chemistry, biology, and organic chemistry.
Health Professions School Admissions Counseling
Scholars receive individual academic advising to help them develop personalized plans for reaching their career goals. Through presentations and track specific sessions, health professionals guide scholars in understanding pre-health requirements and preparing for future applications to professional schools.
Personal Development
The program fosters personal growth by addressing topics such as mental health, imposter syndrome, and resilience. Scholars build a strong peer network and develop the confidence and skills needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
Introduction to the Health Professions
Interactive panels with health care professionals and program alumni introduce scholars to a wide range of career pathways. Track-specific simulations and experiences deepen scholars’ understanding of the scope of practice across different health professions.
Focus on Health Disparities
In small groups, scholars explore health issues affecting underserved communities through data analysis and epidemiological research. Each group selects a community and designs a health intervention to address specific challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of health equity and public health.
Longitudinal Mentorship
Each scholar is paired with a current mentor in their field who provides guidance during the program and continues to support the scholar beyond the six weeks, fostering long-term professional relationships.
Read the UCLA Health article: "Interested in health care? This free enrichment program gives students a sneak peek"
Student Eligibility
All students who meet the SHPEP eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.
SHPEP applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate and currently enrolled as a freshman or sophomore in college
- Must be 18 years old by the start of the program (June 16, 2026)
- Have a minimum overall college GPA of 2.5
- Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Must not have previously participated in the program
Other factors for consideration include that a student:
- Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
- Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations
- Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation
SHPEP Application Process
Online applications for SHPEP 2026 open on November 1, 2025 and close on February 5, 2026 at 8:59 p.m. (PST).
Applications are managed through the SHPEP website, to apply please visit the site to submit your application. No late applications will be considered.
SHPEP 2026 Application
Apply Here
All inquiries regarding the status of the application and receipt of supplemental documents must be directed to shpep@aamc.org
SHPEP FAQ
UCLA housing requires that people who use the dorms have access to health insurance just in case something happens to them when they are at the dorms. As a result, scholars are required to provide proof of health insurance.
It is probably not a good idea to bring a car during the 6-week program. Parking on campus is expensive; parking will cost you about $75/month which will amount to $150 for the duration of your time at UCLA. There are good bus connections to downtown L.A. and to Santa Monica and to the beach.
We strongly promote reading as part of our curriculum and will give you books for the reading required in the classroom, but any books that you have wanted to read would be a great thing to start with before even coming on board.
Yes. The John Wooden Center is a multi-faceted facility. It features 3 gymnasia, basketball courts, indoor & outdoor weight training, stretching mats, stationary bicycles, stair climbers, treadmills, rowing machines, and a Rock Wall.
Yes, anywhere but the dorms. This is strictly enforced out of concerns for your safety and the safety of others and that applies to your parents and family as well. Absolutely NO ONE other than SHPEP students may ever enter or stay in the dorm rooms. However, on MOVE-IN and MOVE-OUT days, your parents are welcome to help you and enter the dorms, as we welcome their assistance!!
Sample Schedule - Please note that the schedule changes every year, and this is only to be used as an example.
No. Students will be provided with housing, breakfast and dinner, and a stipend that will cover the costs of lunch through the 6-weeks.
No. SHPEP is exclusively for current freshman and sophomore college students. However, we encourage you to pursue other enrichment opportunities.
SHPEP does not have an MCAT exam or DAT preparatory component. However, the program's basic science curriculum covers content that is included in the MCAT exam and DAT.
A pre-health advisor may be a faculty or staff member at your institution in your dean’s office, career, or student services center.
SHPEP does not accept high school transcripts. If you are a freshman in college and you have not received your first semester/quarter grades we encourage you to send in your transcripts to the National Program Office in January once your first semester/quarter grades have been established and finalized.
This should be someone who knows your academic and personal character. Ideally, this should be a pre-health advisor and/or a college professor. If none of these persons know you well enough, a high school science teacher or a local dentist or physician who knows you well will work. Pick someone who can speak in detail about you. (And don't forget to ask them if they can write you a positive reference letter!)
SHPEP is an intense full-time program with required events in the evenings and on the weekends. You will not be able to keep up with a job or with taking other classes. One-hundred percent of your focus needs to be on SHPEP when you are here.
Yes, DACA recipients are eligible.
Students are required to have U.S. citizenship, hold a permanent visa (not a student visa), or be DACA recipients in order to join the SHPEP program.
SHPEP is an undergraduate program for freshman and sophomore college students. However, we encourage you to pursue other enrichment opportunities.
You may apply to UCLA/CDU SHPEP as long as you have not transferred to a four-year institution by the summer you plan to attend SHPEP.
Campus Health and Safety Precautions
Summer 2026 Programs
In addition to UC’s vaccination requirement, the campus has implemented a number of health and safety protocols designed to keep the Bruin community safe this fall. For a full list of these protocols, see our UCLA COVID protocols page.
All students participating in SHPEP, PREP, and RAP are expected to comply with UC health and safety protocols to participate in our programs.
Please see current precautions, requirements, and information for students.
Pre-Med & Pre-Health Guidance Appointments
Schedule NowOffice of Outreach and Pathway Programs
Location: Geffen Hall, Suite 305
Main Number: (310) 825-3575
Email: uclashpep@mednet.ucla.edu