SHPEP 2024 Program Dates: May 13-June 21, 2024
UF SHPEP 2024 will be offered in a hybrid format. During the first two weeks of the program, all events, workshops, and instruction will be held virtually. All programming during the remaining four weeks will take place in-person on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, FL, during which participants will be provided on-campus housing and meals.
UF SHPEP Sample Academic Enrichment Curriculum and Calendar
Application Information
Application Deadlines:
- Online applications are available starting November 1, 2023.
- Application deadline: February 5th, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. (EST)
- Admissions decisions will be released on March 15th, 2024.
- Applications are available at the national Summer Health Professions Education Program website
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or above.
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- New participant to SHPEP.
- Be a college freshman or sophomore at the time of application.
- SHPEP is geared toward students who identify with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented in the health professions.
- SHPEP targets students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds; however, all applications are considered.
Additional Considerations
- Identifies as a first-generation health professional (i.e., applicant’s legal guardian(s) did not receive graduate degrees in a Health Profession).
- Identifies as a first-generation college student (i.e., applicant’s legal guardian(s) did not receive undergraduate degrees).
- A University of Florida Pell Grant recipient, Promise Student, or Machen Florida Opportunity Scholar.
- Comes from an economically and/or educationally disadvantaged background.
- Demonstrates a desire to work as a health professional in underserved communities.
- Identifies as a Non-traditional student with less than 60 credits.
UF SHPEP Program Coordinator & Contact:
Rachael Powers | Program Coordinator
Summer Health Professions Education Program
University of Florida, College of Dentistry
Dental Science Building, Room D4-33 PO Box 100407, Gainesville, FL 32610
Phone 352-294-8628 | http://Email UF SHPEP
ufhealth.org/ufshpep | Facebook | Instagram
SHPEP FAQs
Can I participate in SHPEP if I am a junior or senior in college, or if I have already graduated from college? No. SHPEP is exclusively for current freshman and sophomore college students.
I am a freshman and have not received my grades yet. Can I submit my high school transcript? High school transcripts are not accepted. If you are a freshman and you have not received your first semester grades, please allow them to be finalized before you submit your transcripts.
Who should I pick to write reference letters for me? 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 is acceptable.
Can the recommendation be submitted by a previous employer or high school teacher? If a recommendation cannot be submitted by a pre-health advisor or college professor within your major, the National Program Office will accept one from an employer that is within a health professions field or from a science high school teacher.
I’m applying online and I see medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and public health as my career path choice – I’m interested in another career in health, what do I do? While students select from four main concentrations – Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Public Health – selected students will be given the opportunity to learn hands on about veterinary medicine, nursing, physician assistant, and a number of public health professions such as Clinical and Health Psychology, Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, Health Administration, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. It is at the student’s discretion which concentration they choose when they apply.
Am I able to participate in SHPEP and attend classes over the summer? SHPEP is a full-time commitment with pre-planned days of curriculum, activities and rotations. Students’ full participation is required during the course of the program dates. Should summer courses be offered following the program, the student is free to enroll and attend, but during the program that may not be an option.
Will meals be provided during my time at UF SHPEP? Scholars are provided a meal plan to use at University of Florida dining locations on campus. All dining locations are open seven days a week.
I don’t have health insurance. Is there a UF Health insurance option for successful applicants? If a scholar does not have insurance, a limited insurance plan will be purchased by the UF SHPEP program for that scholar.
Will I have free time to explore Gainesville? Scholars have a full menu of extracurricular activities to enjoy. Possible adventures include: touring UF museums, talent show, kayaking, disc golf, volleyball, swimming, tubing, social gatherings with professional students, bowling, movies and summer concerts on the plaza.
Is housing provided? Where will I live during UF SHPEP? Scholars stay in dormitories located in the center of campus, free of cost.
Should I bring a car? How will I get around? Dorms are a 10-minute walk from the UF Health Science Center. Scholars also have free access to the campus and city buses.
Will I receive aid with traveling to Gainesville? Travel expenses will be compensated.
Is there a cost to attending UF SHPEP? No. Students will be provided with housing, meals and a stipend that will cover the six weeks.
What is the stipend amount? Scholars will receive a $1,000 stipend.