PROGRAM TRACKS

TRACK I

In August, the program kicks off with an orientation where members can meet with their cohort and UPP alumni. The focus of these days is to build community and become acclimated to the program's expectations and objectives.

The academies occur on one Saturday each month during the academic year and will be in-person or virtual. Distinguished University of Colorado Anschutz faculty, staff, students, and community partners facilitate workshops, seminars, and training. Academies are intended to broaden members' understanding of professionalism, career readiness, research, evaluation, current events, policies used in health promotion, and health services.

Track I Outcomes

• Research Skills Development:

  • Participants will build foundational knowledge of the research process, including literature review, research question and hypothesis development, study design, methodology, and proposal development.
  • Participants will develop skills to communicate research ideas through data visualization, a written research proposal, and an oral presentation.
    

   

• Healthcare & Career Exploration:

  • Participants will explore healthcare, research, and graduate-level career pathways through faculty, student, and professional engagement.
  • Participants will gain exposure to different professional environments and experiences to help them better understand their interests and potential educational and career pathways.

• Applied Learning & Service:

  • Participants will apply skills through hands-on experiences in service learning, clinical simulation, and wilderness medicine.
  • Participants will strengthen communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills through collaborative and experiential learning activities.

Track I

Healthcare, Research & Career Exploration (Summer Intensive):

• Participants will explore a variety of healthcare, research, and graduate-level career pathways through interactive experiences and engagement with professionals in various fields.
• Participants will gain a greater understanding of career options, educational pathways, and opportunities available within healthcare and biomedical sciences, including programs and pathways at the University of Colorado Anschutz.

Track I 2-Week

Healthcare & Research Exploration

• Students will explore healthcare, research, and graduate-level pathways through hands-on activities and engagement with professionals across a variety of fields.
• Experiences will help students connect their interests with potential academic and career pathways.

Service Learning & Teaching Experience

• Students will engage in service learning by teaching and mentoring middle school students, strengthening communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• Through this experience, students will gain an understanding of community engagement, mentorship, and the role of service within healthcare and education.

Wilderness First Aid Training & Certification

• Students will participate in hands-on training focused on recognizing and responding to injuries and medical emergencies when immediate access to professional medical care may be limited.
• Through scenario-based learning and practical skill development, students will strengthen emergency preparedness, critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence while earning a Wilderness First Aid certification.
  

Track II 4-6 weeks

Research, Clinical & Career Exploration

• Students will participate in a paid summer internship aligned with their interests and professional goals.
• Experiences may include biomedical or translational research, clinical observation, didactic learning, and other exploratory opportunities within healthcare and research settings.
• Students will gain firsthand exposure to professional environments, build relationships with faculty, researchers, healthcare professionals, and mentors, and apply skills developed throughout UPP.
• Students will conclude their experience by reflecting on and presenting what they learned to the UPP community.