Diversity & Inclusion

SKMC Summer Training & Enrichment Program for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP) Medicine​ Program

STEP-UP Medicine is a highly selective, intensive and comprehensive summer enrichment program for students from groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine intending to apply to medical school. The purpose of the program is to expose students to a variety of aspects of medicine and enhance their candidacy for medical school.

Application Deadline February 9, 2024

Students in the SKMC STEP-UP Medicine program receive hands-on training from dedicated faculty and staff.


This immersive program allows participants to experience life and learning like students on the Jefferson campus.


STEP-UP learners are exposed to a variety of teaching environments and instruction in the lab, the classroom and beyond.


The six-week, full-time residential program includes:

  • Formal Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) preparation through the Princeton Review Course
  • Comprehensive workshops focusing American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application preparation, personal statement writing, and medical college interview preparation. 
  • Educational sessions on health policy, health disparities and health equity
  • Clinical shadowing experiences in fields such as emergency medicine, family & community medicine, general surgery, internal medicine and pediatrics
  • Medical skills workshops such as suturing and venipuncture


  1. U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or U.S. National.
  2. Must be enrolled as a fulltime student in an accredited institution and completed two years of college (ie rising junior, seniors, and graduating seniors).
  3. Completion of medical school prerequisites is required (ONE YEAR of the following: math (calculus and/or statistics), biology, general chemistry, physics, organic chemistry; studies in humanities, social, and behavioral sciences are encouraged.
  4. Minimum GPA of 3.0
  5. All eligible students are encouraged to apply, including students who are underrepresented in medicine (as defined by AAMC and/or HRSA).

  1. Please answer the essay question "Describe your personal interest in medicine and how your distinct cultural background and life experiences have shaped your decision to pursue a career in the medical field?" (800 words or less)
  2. Official copy of all college transcripts.
  3. Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
  4. Immunization Record (Jefferson issued form must be completed upon acceptance).
  5. Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a college/ university faculty member or faculty advisor).  Letters are to be submitted via email to Sabrina Roper.

The file below details the types of activities STEP-UP students may encounter.

FAQs

STEP-UP Medicine is an 6-week intensive and comprehensive summer program. The dates vary from year to year. 

NO – students are provided housing and a stipend. However, meals are not provided.

NO – We do not provide transportation to and from the airport and campus. Prior to attending the program, please make plans accordingly. Options may include personal transportation, an SEPTA Regional Rail, taxi, or Uber/Lyft.

NO – Parking is not provided. We do NOT recommend bringing a car.  Philadelphia is a commuter-friendly city with easy access to multiple modes of public transportation. Parking is expensive. If you decide to bring a car, you are responsible for the cost of parking.

NO – meals are not provided.  There is a kitchenette on every floor in Martin Residence Hall.  The hospital cafeteria is an option for meals, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  The cafeteria hours are as follows:

Monday through Friday
Breakfast
 - 7 to 10 a.m.
Lunch - 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Dinner - 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Express Hours - Breakfast 6 to 11 a.m. and Late Night 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
Breakfast
 - 7 to 10 a.m.
Lunch - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Additionally, Thomas Jefferson University is centrally located near multiple restaurants and grocery stores.

All scholars are expected to have a neat appearance suitable for a professional environment. The dress code is casual for MCAT class, workshops, and social outings. However, business professional attire is required for clinical rotations and the end of summer reception. For men, this means business pants with a dress shirts and possibly a tie. For women, this means business pants or skirt, with a blouse, or a dress. If wearing a skirt or dress, it should be no shorter than right above the knee. You must wear enclosed shoes when on clinical rotations. Please remember that we are in an academic and professional setting.

NO - Students cannot work or take summer classes during our 6-week program. STEP-UP Medicine is an intensive full-time program with some required evening and weekend classes/events. This program requires 100% of your focus.

Please see the sample schedule/calendar before the FAQs.

YES – gym access is provided. Please see the Jefferson Fitness and Recreation Center website for hours and a list of offerings.

Support the STEP-UP Program

Gifts to the STEP-UP Program allow highly-qualified students the opportunity to participate and thrive in a program they may not otherwise be able to afford. Philanthropic support ensures access for future students and enhancements to their experience. You can support the STEP-UP Program and the students it serves by making a donation below.