Application Deadlines: Virtual Academy for Middle and High School Students Deadline to Apply: April 15, 2023. 4-Week Mentored High School Program Deadline is closed.

2023 Summer Program Updates

Virtual Academy for Middle and High School Students: In response to the success of the Virtual Regenerative Medicine Academy for middle and high school students offered in Summers 2020-2021 due to COVID, we determined we will continue to offer this program for students ages 14 - 18. The virtual academy will be held July 17 – 21, 2023, and will culminate with on-site workshops and graduation day on-site at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) on July 21, 2023. This program is open to students from the region, across the US and globe. Virtual accommodations will be made to enable students who cannot attend the on-site final day program. We will cap virtual academy at 30 students.

4-week Mentored Summer Research Exposure Program for High School Students:The 2023 Mentored Research Exposure Program format offers high school students (ages 16-18) a multidisciplinary education, 4-week faculty-mentored regenerative medicine research exposure experience. The program is held June 19 to July 14, 2023. Space is limited with 8-10 positions available.

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) Summer Research Exposure Program (SREP) offers high school students (ages 16-18) two regenerative medicine summer program opportunities:

1-Week Virtual Regenerative Medicine Academy for middle and high school students engages students (ages 14-18) from across the US and globe in research and technologies associated with the regenerative medicine field while they simultaneously dive deeper into career and educational pathways with access to world-class faculty researchers, industry professionals and near-peer mentors coupled with half day on-site, hands-on workshop. High school students (ages 16-18) are also eligible. to apply for a 4-week, hands-on faculty-mentored regenerative medicine research experience at WFIRM.

4-Week Summer Research Exposure Program for High School Students provides high school students (ages 16-18) with educational and hands-on, mentored research/shadowing experiences with WFIRM faculty researchers and their teams. The program is designed to increase students' familiarity with the scientific process and the RM field. We also seek to stimulate high school students' interest in advanced education and careers in STEM disciplines and biomedical research in a friendly and nurturing environment. The experience also "science" works in the real world.

 

Program Benefits

Academic, Social and Personal

  • Exposure to regenerative medicine research with WFIRM faculty, students and staff in a strong team-based environment.
  • Attend the annual Regenerative Medicine Essentials Course as well as special seminars and weekly research meetings.
  • Meet and network with peers and near-peers who have similar interests and goals.
  • Heighten and inspire interest and academic confidence in STEM disciplines.
  • Gain unique research experience and skill development.
  • Become more competitive when applying to undergraduate schools in the STEM disciplines.

Agendas Overview

  • June 5 – 9, 2023: Option to attend Regenerative Medicine Essentials Course, which is delivered in a virtual format.
  • Virtual Academy 2023 for Middle and High School Students: July 17 – 21, 2023
    • Broad Agenda
      • June 5 to 9, 2023: Option to attend Regenerative Medicine Essentials Course
      • July 17 to 20, 2023: Virtual Academy held (anticipate 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily)
      • July 21, 2023: On-site workshops and graduation at WFIRM
  • High School 4-Week Summer Research Exposure Program: June 19 – July 14, 2023
    • Broad Agenda
      • June 5 to 9, 2023: Mandatory attendance at the Regenerative Medicine Essentials Course
      • June 19 to 21, 2023: Lab Orientation and Training
      • June 22 to July 14, 2023: Research Exposure with Mentor - weekly schedule and hours to be determined at mentors' discretion (avg. 20 - 30 hours per week)

How To Apply

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) has initiated new opportunities for middle and high school students to explore the world of regenerative medicine and technologies while they simultaneously dive deeper into career and educational pathways with access to world-class faculty researchers and their team.

Application Process and Key Dates: Online application form with instructions will be available on or before February 15, 2023 with application deadlines of March 15, 2023 for 4-week High School Exposure Program and April 15, 2023 for Middle and & High School Virtual Academy. 4-week program applicants will be notified of the status of their application by April 15, 2023; Virtual Academy Applicants will be notified by May 5, 2023.

Special Note: If you are selected to participate in the 4-week program (ages 16 to 18 only) at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) Summer Research Exposure Program (SREP)you will also be responsible for providing required immunization records by May 1, 2023.