RISE for Youth Program
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science
A four-week summer program with hands-on classroom experiences and exploratory activities showcasing healthcare careers and building leadership skills.
Who should apply
A great fit for rising high school juniors and seniors and undergraduates in Rochester, Minnesota, especially students from historically underrepresented groups, who want to explore careers at Mayo Clinic and beyond.
Eligibility
- Rising high school junior or senior, or an undergraduate for the upcoming fall
- Between ages 16 and 21 (must meet the age requirement before the June 8, 2026 start)
- Attend a public, private, or charter high school or college in Rochester, Minnesota
- Students from historically underrepresented groups especially encouraged
What you get
- $960 stipend upon successful completion
- Free program
- Four-week summer program (June 8–25, 2026; 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Mon–Thu)
- Mentorship from Mayo Clinic mentors
- Exposure to Mayo Clinic careers and educational programs, plus paths outside Mayo
- Leadership and career-skill development
What the application involves
- Unofficial transcript or report card
- Either a written essay (max 500 words) or a video (1–2 min) on self-description, leadership/accomplishments, motivation/goals, community commitment, and how RISE supports your goals
- Submit through Mayo Clinic's online admissions portal
Application tips
- Use the essay/video prompts as a checklist and address each part.
- If you're more comfortable speaking than writing, the video option shows your personality.
- Connect your community ties in Rochester to your future health-career goals.
Good to know
2026: applications open January 12, 2026; deadline March 8, 2026; results early April. A Mayo Clinic–Rochester NAACP collaboration. Contact: RISEforYouth@mayo.edu.
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