The overall goals of the RISE for Youth program are to increase academic skills, provide a multifaceted program of enrichment experiences and opportunities for exploration of health care and the health professions, and introduce participants to the rigor of academic programs in health professions. It will help build a critical pathway of leaders and changemakers from a broad range of backgrounds who will improve the practice of medicine, the potential of science, businesses, and the success of any organization in the community fortunate enough to be their post-graduate destination.

The RISE for Youth Program will enroll a cohort model of 20 students from the local community.

Program dates

The 2025 summer program will be held June 9 through July 3, 2025.

The program will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota. 

Eligibility and Criteria

This program welcomes all applicants. Students from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. 

To be eligible for consideration, students must:

1. Attend a public, private, or charter high school or college in Rochester, Minnesota.
2. Be a rising high school junior and senior as well as an undergraduate student for the fall of 2024/25 semester and between the age of 16 and 21.
3. Meet the age requirement before the start date of June 9, 2025. 
4. Have a GPA of 2.3 or above.
5. Agree to meet with a mentor every quarter for up to one year.
6. Agree to participate in ongoing follow-up once program participation is complete.
7. Provide an essay of no more than 500 words including the following: 
   
   1. Tell us about yourself.
   2. Share past and current leadership accomplishments. 
   3. Tell us how RISE for Youth will help you achieve your goals and/or overcome any challenges you have faced.
   4. Explain how you plan to use this program to impact positive change in our diverse communities and the lives of others through nurturing relationships.  

Cost

The program is offered free of charge. RISE for Youth participants receive a $960 stipend at the successful completion of the program.

Important dates

• Applications open Jan. 1, 2025
• Completed application must be received by March 14, 2025
• Participants will be notified of the selection results by April 29, 2025

How to apply

Before submission, candidates should have the following materials ready to attach to the application:  

• GPA documentation
• Essay

Application instructions

1. Create an account to begin the online Application for Admission. Select the following when creating an account:
   • School of Study - Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science Experience
   • Area of Interest - RISE for Youth (available after January 1)
2. Once logged on, select “Create a New Application.”
3. Select “Start a Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science Experience Application”.
4. Complete each section of the application and submit it.

After submitting your application, please follow these steps to upload your unofficial transcript or latest report card.

• Under the Action column, select View
• Select the Supplemental Items & Documents Tab
• Submit an unofficial transcript or latest report card

If you have any questions regarding this application process, please email the RISE for Youth program team at the RISEforYouth@mayo.edu mailbox.

For technical support, contact Education Technology Center at 507-266-9087 or etc@mayo.edu. Standard business hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., CT.