K-12 Pathways Programs

Young Black children wearing Youth Summit at the Big House tshirts with adults helping them to drill into bones

Pathways of Opportunity

The process of eliminating gaps in healthcare begins on many fronts, not the least of which is creating a robust pathway of opportunities for students to become tomorrow's health care leaders.

High School
Doctor in scrubs showing students a medical device

Michigan Health Sciences Pre-College Exposure Academy (SPEA)

The Michigan Health Sciences Pre-College Exposure Academy is a free, hybrid program. SPEA is intended for highly motivated high school students in the 10th or 11th grade. Students gain exposure to University of Michigan healthcare professionals. The SPEA curriculum is aligned with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Core Competencies, which are fundamental to preparing students to be healthcare professionals. If you have questions regarding SPEA, please contact [email protected].

  • Program Dates: Monday, July 6, 2026 - Friday, July 31, 2026
    Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 12 pm, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) study course
    Monday - Thursday: 2 pm - 4 pm, Professional Development and Workshops 
    Fridays: On-Campus, In-Person experience

  • In-Person Experiences on Campus 
    Fridays: July 10, July 17, July 24, and July 31st, from 8 am - 5 pm  

  • Application Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:59 pm
  • Application Link: https://umhs.smapply.io/ 
    NOTE: Please register by creating your own username and password.

See our Frequently Asked Questions Google Doc.
Students in a room at a table

Program Eligibility
  • US citizens or permanent residents
  • In the 10th or 11th grade at the time of application submission
  • Interest in medicine, biomedical research or health equity
  • A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • All are encouraged to apply
Student in a mock patient room

Program Offerings
  • Exposure to the University of Michigan
  • A study course with extensive SAT preparation  
  • Workshops in biomedical science, health equity, college preparedness and academic wellbeing
  • Mentoring from undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff
  • Exposure to leadership and professional development training
Students walking toward the camera on a campus tour

Program Goals

The goal of SPEA is to develop future leaders in health science, who will someday help transform the medical field.

 

SPEA is an entry-level, academic enrichment program designed primarily for youth who have an interest in addressing barriers to healthcare and improving care and outcomes.

Middle School
Middle schoolers participating in a VR experience

Youth Summit

Michigan Medicine Health Advancement partners with approximately 30 Michigan Medicine departments annually to host the Youth Summit in May at the 'Big House,' the University of Michigan's football stadium. This regional outreach event is aimed at engaging and exposing middle school students from schools across southeast Michigan to Michigan Medicine health care teams, units and departments. The Youth Summit provides opportunities for participants to engage with practitioners through hands-on simulations, personal connections and curated resources in preparation for medical career paths.
Middle school student smiles while administering a tongue depressor to another students tongue while an adult with a phone looks on.
Group of students in a gym gather around a table where several doctors and medical professionals are talking

Middle School Math & Health Sciences Program

In an effort to provide more long-term support to middle school students, Michigan Medicine Health Advancement has developed the Middle School Math & Health Sciences Program. In partnership with Ypsilanti Community Middle School (YCMS) and the U-M community, we provide mathematics-focused support for middle school students through one-on-one or small group mentoring and academic coaching throughout the school year.
Undergraduate student coaching a middle school student in math

Math Coaching & Mentoring

U-M undergraduate and graduate students serve as Student Success Coaches, mentoring sixth- and seventh-graders and working with middle school math teachers to regularly track students’ progress. We recognize the importance of lessons that are welcoming, engaging and supportive for all students. To make sure the curriculum connects with students in meaningful ways, we partnered with the School of Education to build it on proven, student-centered teaching practices.
Middle school student putting on PPE

Health Science Learning

Beyond receiving weekly math support, numerous times throughout the semester, youth are introduced to health science topics and professions, participating in hands-on learning experiences and engaging discussions with University of Michigan faculty, staff and students. Health science sessions expose students to a wide array of professions and increase their understanding of the pathways to obtaining those careers.