Hispanic Center of Excellence Summer Youth Scholars Program (SYSP)

Welcome to the Hispanic Center of Excellence Summer Youth Scholars Program (SYSP), an enriching academic journey designed for rising 11th and 12th grade students who have a passion for STEM. Running from June to July, SYSP offers a comprehensive blend of academic enhancement and medical immersive experiences.

Throughout the program, participants delve into SAT preparation, learn about anatomy and physiology, engage in research presentations, explore college, engage in wellness activities, and gain insights into the field of medicine. Additionally, we provide invaluable career counseling and skills development sessions to ensure each participant's academic success.

2026 Program Date and Duration

The SYSP Program dates are in-person. This year will begin with an SAT Academy every Saturday in June (6, 13, 20, 27), from 9 am to 1 pm, and five consecutive weeks starting on June 29th and ending on July 31st, from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Participants must commit to the program schedule for the entire weekends in June and for the following five weeks without exception. Failure to meet the time commitment may result in dismissal from the program.

Eligibility

Prospective applicants should be rising 11th or 12th-grade students by June 2026 and must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Additionally, applicants must have taken at least one science course and be either U.S. citizens or permanent residents. All applicants must agree to release their PSAT/SAT/ACT scores to the HCOE Office.

How to Apply

Interested individuals must complete: online application

FROM THE SCHOOL

Two files ready to upload to the application: (1) your academic transcript and (2) your attendance records. You can obtain these from your guidance counselor or through PowerSchool.
The email address and telephone number of your guidance counselor, science teacher, and math teacher who are writing the recommendation letters for you.
Three letters of recommendation that you have requested, ready to upload to the application: one from your guidance counselor, one from your science teacher, and one from your math teacher. Each letter should be addressed to the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School SYSP Program and include the recommender's contact information. You must upload all three letters to the application.

FROM YOU

Your completed essay. It must be ready for uploading to the application. You must upload your essay in a Word or PDF format. Your responses to the essay questions must not exceed 900 words in total. ESSAY PROMPT: We recognize that our applicant pool is multidimensional. Please write a 5-paragraph essay that includes the following: 1) Why you chose to participate in the SYSP program. 2) Any important background information that will help us learn about you, including your lived experiences, your educational journey, as well as challenges and opportunities that have influenced your decisions. 3) A statement that demonstrates your experiences or commitment to addressing health inequalities affecting communities similar to yours.

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) (unweighted and/or weighted). You can obtain this information from your academic transcript.

Your SAT and/or PSAT scores for reading and math if you have them.

Your immunization records file ready to upload to the application.

Eligible students will be invited for an interview.
Acceptance into the program is on a rolling basis, meaning spaces may fill up before the official deadline. Therefore, we encourage applicants to submit their materials promptly.

Application Deadline is May 18th, 2026

Important Application Expectations:

All applications must be filled out online using this form.

Do not mail or drop off your application in person.

Please set aside at least one hour to complete this application.

You must answer all questions with a "*". If you skip a required question or see a warning, the submit button will not show or work.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for review.

Please review your work carefully before submitting.

Please download a copy of this application for your records and check your email often for updates from our office.

Selected applicants will be informed to participate in a mandatory Zoom interview after submitting their application and before the program decision.

Mandatory Attendance Requirement:

Please note that the Program runs for 6 weeks on Saturdays in June, from 9:00 am to 1 pm, and every day, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. From June 29th to July 31st. We expect 100% attendance compliance.

If you have any questions, contact: SYSPprogram@rutgers.edu.

Join us in this transformative educational journey and pave the way for your future success with SYSP!