Dr. Sherket B. Peterson Scholarship for Research & Innovation

Sherket B. Peterson, PhD, a Minority Medical Education Program (MMEP) alum, is excited to offer a scholarship opportunity to Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), Summer Medical Education Program (SMEP), and MMEP alums! With the support of the ADEAGies Foundation and the Summer Health Professions Education Program, the Dr. Sherket B. Peterson Scholarship provides financial support in the form of a $3000 scholarship and mentorship to further the education of historically underrepresented students in health-related careers. The scholarship honors program alums interested in pursuing a career in a field that will enhance health research or innovation with the potential to impact the world!

Award

One student will receive a $3000 award and one year of mentorship. A portion of the award, $2500, will be distributed to the awardee’s U.S. college or university on their behalf for tuition expenses, and $500 will be distributed directly to the awardee for other educational expenses such as books and/or laptops, grad school applications, etc.

Eligibility Requirements

An applicant must:

• Be a program alum of the SHPEP, SMDEP, SMEP, or MMEP.
• Be a current full-time student enrolled in an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, or professional program at an accredited U.S. college or university and have completed at least two (2) years of undergraduate studies at the time of application.
• Be in good academic standing at their college or university.
• Demonstrate a financial need for assistance to cover education-related expenses.
• Demonstrate excellence in leadership, a desire to pursue a career in the health professions, and/or a passion for creating change in their community, as evidenced by a record of related activities or accomplishments.

• Demonstrate an interest in mentorship and developing connections for personal, academic, and professional development.
• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing new ideas, concepts, approaches, policies, programs, technologies, potential treatments, or products that improve health and reduce health disparities.

Application Process Checklist

• Online scholarship application form
• One (1) letter of recommendation: This letter should be from a faculty member, advisor, mentor, or previous supervisor who can speak to the applicant’s experiences and qualities that align with the eligibility criteria for the scholarship, including their passion and desire to pursue a health profession. The recommender cannot be related to the applicant.
  • Note: The application form includes a section where you can provide the name and email address of your recommender so that a letter request can be sent on your behalf.
• A current curriculum vitae or resume: This document should clearly list the applicant’s publications, conference presentations (such as oral or poster presentations), academic honors or awards, research experiences or grants, employment history (such as jobs or internships), campus involvement, and/or community service activities.
• An unofficial transcript(s) obtained from the applicant’s college or university registrar verifying good academic standing and outlining current/completed coursework.
• Supplemental documents (optional): Applicants may upload up to three (3) supplemental documents.

2024 Scholarship Winner

“Throughout my undergraduate years, I have developed an interest in conducting and leading research. I have had the incredible opportunity to work with glioblastomas and participate in pancreatic and oral cancer research. Also, I have been a member of various research groups at institutions located in Boston, Colorado, and New York City. I am excited to enter the next phase of my academic journey by applying to medical school this upcoming year.”