Interested In Becoming A RYSE MED Program Student Mentor?

Applications to become a Student Mentor in the 2026–2027 RYSE MED cohort are officially open and will close on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

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Onsite Program Dates: June 28 – August 7, 2026 | 8 AM – 6 PM
Virtual Orientation:

• RYSE MED Orientation – Week of April 20, 2026 (Exact date forthcoming)
• Henry Ford Health Orientation – May 18, 2026

Attendance is required for all scheduled program and orientation dates.

The RYSE MED program aims to support students who face structural barriers to pursuing careers in healthcare and research. You can help by becoming a student mentor for our RYSE MED scholars! As a bonus, you get paid to participate in all the program activities for your benefit!

Student Mentor Responsibilities

Student mentors will participate in required weekly prep meetings and complete 10-20 hours of prep work before the summer immersion program begins.

During the six-week summer immersion program (June 28 – August 7, 2026), student mentors will work full-time or part-time to coordinate and facilitate in-person program activities from 8 AM – 6 PM at Henry Ford Hospital (2799 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202).

Student mentors should also be available on Fridays and weekends throughout the program for additional formal activities (sufficient notice will be provided), and self-directed activities such as shadowing, project work, mentoring circles, etc. Student mentors will also assist the high school scholars with their health equity research projects in preparation for the 10–15-minute group presentation at the end-of-summer program celebration on Friday, August 7, 2026, to health care professionals, loved ones, and community members. Student Mentors who successfully fulfill all responsibilities will receive a stipend or wages for their work in the program.

RYSE MED Travel Award:

This award provides financial support to Student Mentors traveling from outside the local area to participate in and serve the RYSE MED program who demonstrate financial need. The award is intended to help offset transportation and housing expenses for individuals facing additional financial barriers to participation.

As part of the application process, eligible applicants will be considered based on travel distance (minimum of 51 miles from Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202), documented financial need, and verified expenses.

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Oncology Track (Summer Program Option)

Student mentors interested in oncology careers, have an opportunity to be selected for the Oncology Track.

Participants gain specialized exposure to oncology careers through immersive experiences in medical, radiation, and surgical oncology, research, case management, and patient support services. In addition to the core student mentor responsibilities, Oncology Track scholars also complete oncology-related health equity projects and presentations.

RYSE MED Longitudinal Tracks

After the summer program, student mentors must continue their RYSE MED involvement through organized enrichment activities intended to foster academic, professional, and personal growth during the academic year. Options include:

1. RYSE: Connect (Established 2023) – A virtual monthly and occasional in-person series that continues to engage program alumni through life skills and academic readiness workshops, including financial literacy, professional communication, and mental health awareness.
2. RYSE: Fresh Connects (Established 2025): An academic year experience to support first year undergraduates with targeted guidance and resources to ease the transition into college life.
3. RYSE: College Access (Launched 2022) – Designed for 12th graders, this pathway offers expert-facilitated workshops in college choice, essay writing, financial aid and scholarship navigation, and college application strategies to facilitate a seamless transition to post-secondary education.
4. RYSE in Research (Launched 2023) – A two-year opportunity for 11th-grade students, undergraduates, and recent college graduates (gap year) to work with researchers, developing research skills such as data collection and analysis and scientific writing, leading to co-authored presentations or publications.
5. RYSE Research Certification (Established 2025): Pays for interested RYSE MED alumni with a high school diploma or GED to participate in a clinical research certification program.
6. RYSE in Allied Health – A career development program for individuals 18+ years of age providing assured consideration for Henry Ford Health medical apprenticeship in roles such as Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Surgical Technologist. Individuals are provided with classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and potentially full-time employment.

Student Mentor Requirements

To qualify for RYSE MED, undergraduate, medical, recent college graduates (gap years), and graduate student applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Academic Qualifications (Must meet all the following criteria within one of the student categories):

   Undergraduate Students:

   1. Currently a first-year, sophomore, or junior (rising sophomore, junior, or senior for the next academic year); AND
   2. Pursuing a degree or concentration in public health, biomedical sciences, nursing, pre-med, or a related field; AND
   3. Maintain an overall and most recent semester/trimester GPA of 3.0 or higher.

   Graduate Students:

   1. Enrolled in a health professional graduate program (e.g., medical, dental, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, etc.); OR
   2. Enrolled in a health-related research graduate program (e.g., Master of Public Health, Master of Science, Ph.D. in epidemiology, Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, etc.); OR
   3. Graduate students on academic performance improvement plans or medical leave are encouraged to apply and must provide additional context in their application.

   Recent Graduates (Gap Year):

   1. Individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree but are not yet enrolled in graduate school and are interested in transitioning to a healthcare clinical or research career..
2. Work Eligibility: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and obtain a work permit if under 18.
3. Program Commitment: Must be able to fully participate in all required summer and academic year program activities. Absences during the summer immersion program are only allowed for unexpected, unavoidable circumstances. Each longitudinal track will have an attendance policy to optimize engagement.

 

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Contact Us

Please contact us at HAPE@hfhs.org if you have any questions. Thank you again for your interest!

Applications to become a Student Mentor in the 2026–2027 RYSE MED cohort are officially open and will close on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.