Mayo Clinic’s Native American Pathway Program (NAPP) is designed to address Native American health disparities by increasing the number of Native Americans in health careers. The program helps American Indian/Alaska Native undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students develop the skills and tools they need to matriculate and persist in medical school.  
 
While the current focus of NAPP remains on the M.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. pathways, this is understood as a starting point, recognizing that accomplishing the overall mission requires a continuum of programming and outreach in which participation begins at much earlier stages. The intent is to eventually engage learners from K-8 through residency and broaden the focus to other health careers. 

The scholars participate in a five-week virtual summer program that offers coaching for career and medical school readiness, career exploration, introduction to scientific research, and remote clinical observation. The NAPP curriculum utilizes culturally resonant practices and is delivered with regard to Native identity, resilience, and well-being. Instructors come from diverse backgrounds and include Native professionals and tribal elders.

Topics include: 

• Personal statement writing
• Mock interviews  
• Community-informed clinical simulation activities and disparities case studies  
• Discussion panels with medical students, residents, attending physicians, scientists, and elders  
• Exploration of ongoing bioethics and community-engaged projects  
• Culturally based team-building exercises   

Following the summer program, scholars receive MCAT preparation through The Princeton Review including 66 hours of instruction, practice tests, books and resources, and hotline assistance. Long-term mentorship with a Mayo Clinic physician helps ensure that scholars are well-supported in their journey to medical school. 

Application process

The program is open to American Indian/Alaska Native undergraduate and postbaccalaureate program students who are M.D. or M.D.-Ph.D.-seeking and preparing to enter medical school in the next two years.  
 
In order to reflect the communities that we serve, students who belong to any of the following groups or interest areas are especially encouraged to apply: diverse, first-generation college students, Upward Bound or STEAM pipelines, underserved, students who have previously received free or reduced school lunches, veterans, or special populations.  

Application timeline

Application instructions

Complete the following steps to apply:

1. Create an account to begin the online Application for Admission
   • Select - Start a Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science Experience Application
   • Select - Native American Pathway Program
2. Complete each section of the application and submit
3. After submission, view the required Supplemental Items and Documents
   • Upload each required item in the Supplemental Items section 
   • Complete the Recommendation Request section

For additional information on this process, review the PDF instructions on creating a new user account and creating a new application. 

Tuition and fees

There is no cost to participate. This is Mayo Clinic’s service to our community. Students selected to participate will receive a stipend for their full participation in the program.