CU Pre-Health Scholars Program

Due to COVID-19 health and safety concerns, we have decided to provide all of our courses remotely.  They take place in a hybrid format as standalone, monthly workshops. This means that each course will have a synchronous session on Zoom each month and several asynchronous modules found on Canvas. 

STEM and health careers historically lack diversity among the professionals within the fields reducing perspective, and often resulting in disparities in the services they provide. The CU Pre-Health Scholars Program (CUPS) is an academic enrichment program designed to provide resources and guidance to students from diverse backgrounds and identities who are interested in entering health professions. CUPS Scholars will graduate from high school with experience and knowledge to be successful in college and as they move into their chosen careers.

CUPS curriculum supports students’ growth through a variety of academic activities, college visits, mentoring, and exposure to different STEM and health specific technologies and careers. Students move through the program within a cohort of peers from different schools to collaborate, share ideas, and support each other’s learning during their time in the program. CUPS aims to help students gain a better understanding of themselves, the impact of societal systems on their experiences and their future careers. Over the course of the four years CUPS Scholars will participate in classes that focus on enhancing will enhance their self-awareness, critical thinking, collaboration, communication skills and self-advocacy skills. Through these classes, CUPS Scholars will gain advanced knowledge related to math, science and literacy.

​The CUPS program staff values the perspectives and experiences that CUPS Scholars and their family members bring to the program. At various times staff members may ask scholars or family members for feedback on the program.

The CU Pre-Health Scholars Program envisions education, and medical systems that provide quality service to all. Through a holistic understanding of social determinants of health, researchers and practitioners center the values, experiences and needs of historically marginalized communities.

We strive to make this vision a reality through a non-traditional pre-collegiate STEM program for students from marginalized, and historically underserved communities. The CU Pre-Health Scholars Program expands on students’ knowledge and experiences in order for them to thrive in college, graduate and/or professional school. Our approach empowers students to infuse empathy, critical thinking and social change throughout their personal and professional journeys.

Scholarship- Scholars, as we define the term, are people who contribute to thoughtful insight, analysis and perspective to academic conversations. We provide opportunities for students to become emerging scholars, to dedicate themselves to life-long learning, and recognize the power and value of their voice and knowledge. 

Innovation-Seeking new and creative ways of identifying problems based on research, student needs, interests and cultural knowledge, and emerging technology.

Health Equity- a health care system that supports and values the life experiences and values of all based on a nuanced understanding of social power and compassion for others.

Wellness- the state of thriving mentally, physically and socially. Wellness goes beyond physical health to include mental well-being as demonstrated by ones’ happiness, positive sense of self, and ability to build relationships with people from different backgrounds and experiences.

Critical thinking

Empathy

Accountability

Social responsibility

Intersectionality

Collaboration

Vulnerability

Knowledge and Learning

Diversity-valuing people because of their differences, not in spite of them.

Individuality

Self-Advocacy

Leadership

Activism