The Northeast Regional Alliance (NERA) MedPrep Scholars Program

The Northeast Regional Alliance (NERA) MedPrep Scholars Program is a six-week academic enrichment program targeting college students from traditionally underserved or disadvantaged backgrounds in New York City and New Jersey who are rising sophomores and juniors with an interest in pursuing medical school. MedPrep is a 3 year summer commitment designed to give students an opportunity to develop key skills and competencies important to success with the goal of increasing competitiveness for medical school. Ultimately, we expect that our scholars will have the humanism, professionalism, and interpersonal skills required of a future physician caring for a diverse population.

In addition to Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), NERA is a partnership between Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai's Center for Multicultural and Community Affairs, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Manhattan-Staten Island Area Health Education Center.

2025 Program Date and Duration
NERA begins Monday, June 2, 2025, through Friday, July 18, 2025. The program is held daily from 9:00am until 5:00pm. Times may vary based on activities. (Cohorts dates may vary)

Eligibility

  • Be a resident of New Jersey and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
  • Must be college freshman or sophomore;
  • College Chemistry (I, II or both), English Composition (I, II or both);
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.00, or equivalent academic credentials.

How to Apply Click Here The deadline to apply is March 1, 2025
For more information visit the NERA website, email humberto.baquerizo@rutgers.edu or call (973) 972-3762


NERA Phase I
Phase I will incorporate inter-professional education competencies and leadership development.

Curriculum:
Organic Biochemistry and Physics
Introduction to Biostatistics
Academic program and life management skills
Communications
Introduction to Inter-professional Practice and Education
Leadership and Career Development Sessions
Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)
Planning your Medical Educational Journey

NERA Phase II
Phase II scholars will have an opportunity to experience the clinical setting and complete an intensive MCAT prep course designed to maximize their performance.

Curriculum:
MCAT Prep Course
Academic Skills Development
Communications
Introduction to Inter-professional Practice and Education
Clinical Experience
Leadership and Career Development Sessions
Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)
Planning your Medical Educational Journey

NERA Phase III
Phase III scholars will gain an understanding of how research impacts medical care.

Curriculum:
Research Training
Research Component
Getting Ready for Medical School
Leadership and Career Development Sessions
Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

COVID-19 Updates:
Working Together for a Safe Summer

To provide a safe educational environment for all of our college pipeline programs, NERA and SHPEP will follow current CDC and Rutgers guidelines for the Summer 2023 session; requiring that all students participating in the program follow social distancing, wear a mask, and be vaccinated against COVID-19 (proof of vaccination will be required). These rules will be amended as new guidelines or regulations become effective. Please note that residential programs will have additional requirements.

Funded by the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Grant no. D18HP10627 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration.