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March 17, 2026
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science will launch the inaugural Pre-College Healthcare Academy in summer 2026, developed in collaboration with Edconic, an industry-immersive learning organization.
This new two-week residential program builds on Mayo Clinic’s long commitment to education by welcoming high school students for an immersive, hands-on learning experience. Held in Rochester, Minnesota, the academy gives students ages 15-18 the chance to explore careers in medicine and the health sciences within an academic medical center, learning alongside Mayo Clinic clinicians, scientists, and educators in the same setting where patient care, research and training take place each day.
The inaugural cohort will include up to 100 students with strong interests in STEM and healthcare, creating a focused and collaborative environment for learning and exploration.
“Mayo Clinic is committed not only to caring for patients today, but also to preparing the healthcare workforce of tomorrow,” said Stephanie Pagel, director of Education Operations at Mayo Clinic. “This new summer program offers high school students a uniquely immersive experience — combining broad exposure to healthcare careers with meaningful, hands-on learning and mentorship from Mayo Clinic experts. Through a residential model and a culminating capstone project, students apply what they’ve learned, build community and gain the confidence to envision themselves as future healthcare professionals.”
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Increased demand and interest in healthcare
Rising demand for healthcare talent is accelerating rapidly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that healthcare occupations will grow much faster than average through 2034, creating about 1.9 million openings annually due to new job growth and replacement needs.
At the same time, young people show strong interest in health and STEM careers. The 2024 National Society of High School Scholars Career Interest Survey found that 46% of Gen Z respondents are drawn to medicine and health-related fields, more than any other career area, with Mayo Clinic ranked No. 2 among their preferred employers. Yet while 75% of Gen Z students express interest in STEM, only 29% name it as their top career choice, underscoring an experience gap that hands-on programs like the Pre-College Healthcare Academy are designed to help close.
“Students want meaningful, hands-on STEM experiences that build real skills outside the traditional classroom. This academy translates interest into confidence, bridging the gap between curiosity and a credible first step toward a health career,” said Brandon Busteed, CEO of Edconic. “Together with Mayo Clinic, we’re building a pathway that meets students where they are and helps the industry meet tomorrow’s talent needs.”
Hands-on learning, simulations, innovation, and more
During the program, students will explore medicine and healthcare innovation through hands-on labs, interactive clinical simulations and research-based learning that reflects how physicians, scientists and other healthcare professionals build their skills.
They’ll move beyond the classroom to work through real medical challenges, strengthening their foundation in core science concepts, critical thinking and problem-solving. Students will also practice research methods, see how multidisciplinary teams collaborate to improve patient outcomes and receive guidance from Mayo Clinic experts throughout the experience.
The program concludes with a group project that builds communication and teamwork skills, and participants will earn a Certificate of Completion from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, which can be added to student resumes and college applications.
Program details
Who: High school students ages 15-18 with an interest in medicine, science, and healthcare.
Where: Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota
What: Two-week residential summer program with hands-on labs, clinical simulations, research skill building, specialty exploration, teamwork and communication, a final capstone project and Certificate of Completion from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
When: Summer 2026
How to apply: Visit college.mayo.edu/precollege to learn more.
Contact: info@healthcare.edconic.com