16 Jan 2025 High School Summer Explorations Planner

High school students: Summer is perfect time to explore new interests, gain valuable skills and discover potential career paths. Here are five opportunities for 2025:

Children’s Mercy Research Institute’s STAR 2.0

Explore the field of medical research through the STAR 2.0 Program from Children’s Mercy Research Institute. During the program, participants get to:

• Work with a Children’s Mercy faculty on an original research project.
• Develop a research publication for submission in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Learn about clinical and translational research methodology, writing, statistics, medical ethics and career development.
• Network and learn with other students/educators.

The program meets 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 16-July 24. A $2,600 stipend is available.

Things to know: This program serves freshmen, sophomore and junior high school students who identify from racial and ethnic groups currently underrepresented in medicine and science. Students must attend public or charter schools to be eligible and preference will be given to students who attend schools in the urban metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas, school districts.

Learn more and APPLY HERE by Jan. 24, 2025.

NOTE: This program also is open to middle school and high school educators who will take the knowledge gained back to their classrooms. Participation includes a stipend. Educators may apply here.

UMKC STAHR Scholars

Curious about careers in healthcare? The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s STAHR Scholars Program offers high school and college students free opportunities to explore dentistry, medicine, and pharmacy through clinical shadowing, research, mentorship and test prep.

Open to aspiring health professionals, the program helps participants strengthen college and health program applications while building skills and connections.

Learn more here and apply by Feb. 15, 2025.

Heavy Metal Summer Experience

Students interested in the skilled trades can gain hands-on experience through the Mechanical Contractors Association’s summer camp for 15 to 19 year olds. The 2025 camp runs July 14-17 and includes exploration of hands-on trades such as pipefitting, plumbing, sheet metal and electrical.

Learn more and apply here by March 31, 2025.

ProX

ProX connects Kansas City area high school students with paid internships and work-based projects where they can gain essential skills and explore career paths. Students can earn $1,250 while gaining hands-on experience and contributing to the local workforce.

Applications are open now. Students have access to workshops to prepare them and will attend a hiring fair to interview for opportunities that match their interests. Once hired, the summer experience begins June 2 and ends July 3. Throughout, students will work with their employer, receive professional development through ProX and meet peers from across the region.

Learn more and apply here by March 15, 2025.

LEGiT

The KC Tech Council’s LEGiT KC invites female-identifying high school juniors and seniors to dive into the dynamic world of technology through behind-the-scenes tours, exploration of tech jobs and networking with Kansas City professionals.

No prior experience is required, but participants do commit to attending the full series of half-day Thursday sessions running June 12 through July 24.

See the full details and apply here by April 14, 2025.