NYITCOM SHARE - STEM Summer Research for K-12

The NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State (NYITCOM at A-State) launched the Summer Health Academy for Research Exploration (SHARE), a targeted eight-week summer research program designed to engage economically disadvantaged Arkansas high school students in hands-on scientific research. SHARE provides an intensive laboratory experience coupled with professional and career development activities intended to strengthen participants’ readiness for and navigation through the academic pipeline toward degrees in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine) or other professional fields. The program runs during June and July and emphasizes practical, immersive learning that combines laboratory exposure with mentorship and skills-building opportunities.

Each accepted participant receives a $2,500 stipend for their work during the program, an incentive intended both to support students financially and to acknowledge their commitment to an intensive summer research experience. Eligibility is limited to Arkansas high school juniors and seniors for the 2019–20 school year who are recognized as economically disadvantaged, with preference given to students whose maximum family income does not exceed 200% of the current federal poverty guidelines based on family size. This eligibility framework aims to prioritize students who face financial barriers to accessing extracurricular research and enrichment opportunities.

SHARE provides very practical, hands-on learning opportunities that will be both beneficial and enjoyable for participants. SHARE is supported through a combination of funding and partnerships: the program is funded by the American Chemical Society’s Project SEED, the NYITCOM Biosciences Institute, and Community Health Centers of Arkansas, Inc. (CHCA). These funders also help create pathways for participants to extend their engagement with science beyond the summer experience. At the end of the program, some participants will be eligible to apply for college scholarships offered by the American Chemical Society, and some may enter the INTEL/Regeneron Science Competitions through grants facilitated by the Society for Science & the Public.

By integrating laboratory training, professional development, financial support, and connections to competitive science scholarship and competition opportunities, SHARE aims to reduce barriers for economically disadvantaged students considering STEMM careers. The program’s structured eight-week immersion, stipend support, and selective eligibility criteria reflect NYITCOM’s strategy to cultivate and sustain interest in science among youth who might otherwise lack access to substantive research experiences. SHARE positions itself not only as a summer opportunity but as a bridge to longer-term academic and professional pathways in science and medicine for Arkansas students.