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Health Sciences Summer Camps

Summer camp participants pose for a photo in front of the UT Tower.

Inspiring Future Health Leaders

Each year, Dell Med offers day camps for high school students in Central Texas. Participants enjoy hands-on science experiments, interact with health professionals from various fields, spend time with outstanding camp counselors ⁠— and much more. Providing these experiences is just one way the Dell Med team encourages members of the local community to pursue careers that contribute to health transformation.

About the Camps

The Health Sciences Summer Camps are an educational opportunity for students interested or motivated in learning more about the health sciences. The camps are designed to inspire, prepare and expose students to professions within the health care field, including those underrepresented in medicine as defined by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

In the same simulation labs where medical and nursing students train, camp participants learn basic clinical skills such as administering IVs, performing intubations, drawing blood and taking vital signs. Students also engage in a range of laboratory science, discover how technology can aid modern medicine and earn first aid or CPR/automated external defibrillator certification. Plus, they have ample time for recreation at UT Austin in the Texas Union and Gregory Gym.

After participation in the summer camps, high school students are invited to remain engaged with Dell Med throughout the school year in the Health Sciences Yearlong Academy.

Summer Camps in Action

A summer camps participant grabs an anatomical model of a brain from a tray.
Summer camp participants pose in front of a STAR Flight helicopter
Summer camp participant undergoes CPR training
A participant of Dell Med's Health Sciences Summer Camps uses an echocardiogram
A summer camp participant uses the Da Vinci robot surgical simulation tool.
A summer camp participant engages in a microbiology experiment

Program Dates

The program offers two camps for the 2024 year:

  • June 10-14, 9 a.m to 4 p.m.
  • June 24-28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How to Apply

There are two ways to apply: through a school district nomination or the open application.

School District Nominations

Dell Med partners with local school districts and partners to fill enrollment and ensure that the camps are serving local students well. Nominations from school district partners comprise 75% of total camp enrollment. Each school district and partner designs their own nomination process and decides which schools participate to meet camp eligibility criteria.

Students who attend one of the listed school districts and have an interest in participating in this year’s program are encouraged to speak with their school counselor, health science teacher or CTE coordinator — they can provide additional information about their respective nomination process. Nominations are limited for each school system and partner. First-generation college students and students with free or reduced lunch qualification are prioritized.

  • Austin ISD
  • Del Valle ISD
  • Manor ISD
  • Pflugerville ISD
  • IDEA Bluff Springs
  • Wayside Sci-Tech High School
  • African American Youth Harvest Foundation
  • Breakthrough Central Texas
  • Con Mi Madre

Open Application

The open application will be made available on April 1 at 7 a.m. CST. High school students in ninth through 11th grade from any district and residency are eligible to participate in the camps.

The application does not require any uploads or letters of recommendation; it consists of 20 questions designed for student responses. Questions will not be released ahead of the application open date. Fifty applicants will be selected along with 15 waitlist positions. Selected and waitlisted students will be notified by email by April 22.

For questions about the camp, contact the team.

Cost & Scholarships

Camp tuition is $500 per student. Need-based scholarships are available for families in need of financial assistance.

In a classroom and among other student, a younger female student smiles in the direction of an activity.

Engage With Dell Med Pathways

Dell Med is committed to creating opportunities and experiences in the health sciences for local youth. Explore Dell Med’s pathway programs on Instagram for a firsthand look at the Health Sciences Summer Camps and more.