The Summer Program is an intensive 6-week program, during which qualified participants receive an interesting and enjoyable introduction to biostatistics, epidemiology, and public health research. This program is designed to expose undergraduates to the use of quantitative methods for biological, environmental, and medical research.

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During the course of the program, students will:

• Take noncredit courses in biostatistics and epidemiology
• Learn statistical software packages (Python, R, STATA)
• Participate in a collaborative research project with other students, guided by a graduate student and mentored by a faculty member
• Prepare and deliver a polished presentation that reports on your research project at the annual symposium
• Prepare for GRE’s
• Attend several talks about current research and hot topics in Public Health (e.g., environment, nutrition, social behavior, population health, public policy) by internationally renowned researchers
• Travel to local laboratories and research centers to observe Public Health research in action
• Enjoy social and cultural activities in the lively Boston summer
• Explore graduate school options in quantitative Public Health from our Director of Graduate Studies and prepare for graduate school applications
• Participate in Professional Development Workshops led by Harvard faculty and staff.  Topics include public speaking, writing your personal statement, resume building, and navigating academia
• Build relationships with fellow students with similar interests and with faculty in Public Health
• Travel to Boston and living stipend (including lodging and some meals) are provided.

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (proof of permanent residency must be provided).
• Carry health insurance during the 6 weeks of the Summer Program. No exceptions.
• Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis.  Applicants must be one or more of the following:

• A first-generation college student (neither parent nor legal guardian has a bachelor’s degree)
• A low-income student; Annual family income below established low-income thresholds, based on family size (this requires additional supportive documentation)
• A disabled student according to the definition of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Please note: Eligibility is not restricted on the basis of race or ethnicity, and race and ethnicity are not considered in the selection process.

Ideal Applicants for the Summer Program Should:

• Have a strong background and interest in quantitative subjects such as mathematics, statistics, or computer science
• Be in good academic standing with a strong GPA, and have completed coursework in calculus
• Be a student interested in pursuing graduate studies in biostatistics or computational biology
• Be a rising junior, senior or recent college graduate.  Freshmen and sophomores can apply, but preference will be given to upper level college students