SURE

Summer Research Internship Program

The SURE Program at Scintillon Institute aims to introduce top and underserved high school applicants to basic scientific research and nurture such interests to prepare them for college. A major goal of this immersive research experience is to encourage and prepare such students for successful careers in biomedical research. Led by Program Director Brian Lawson, Ph.D., the SURE Program aims to create a pipeline of future scientists for the highly competitive and successful biomedical research community in San Diego County.

The very best, as well as underserved, high school students from San Diego County school districts will be selected and invited to participate in the SURE Program. A Scintillon Institute faculty member will be assigned as the student’s scientific mentor and will introduce the student to the program’s curriculum and guide the student through to graduation of the program.

The SURE Program has a specially tailored curriculum that aligns the students’ time constraints with the commitment required by basic research.

Students must provide a complete application packet, consisting of:

• The application form for the SURE Program at Scintillon Institute.

• A personal essay, which must also include the student’s reasons for interest in the SURE program.

• Letters of recommendation from two teachers, one of which must be from a science teacher.

• An official high school transcript.

To be considered for the SURE Program Summer Class of 2024, applications must be received by June 1st, 2024.

The SURE program will run from July 15 to August 9, 2024. The cost is $2,000 per student if the application is received by June 1st, 2024.  If late, fee will be $2,500 if a spot is available. Financial aid is available for those students that require assistance.

Students are required to be present Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

This year, we are returning to an in-person model of learning and physical wet lab bench work. COVID precautions may be used as determined by Scintillon’s safety officer.

Summer Class of 2024 will commence with an opportunity for SURE students to meet the faculty and learn about their research programs. 

Past SURE program participants have accepted offers to study at universities including: Stanford University, Yale University, and University of California, San Diego.  

"I’ve recently decided to attend Stanford University this coming fall to study Human Biology, and I know I couldn’t have done it without all of you. The SURE Program was such an amazing thing to be a part of, and I can’t wait to see how much it’ll grow and improve these next few years." - Hannah P., SURE program participant

"This experience was far beyond anything I’ve ever been part of, and it served as a uniquely impactful supplement to my college applications. Including my experience at Scintillon in a multitude of application essays helped greatly in allowing me to expand on why I want to pursue neuroscience in college and in my future career. I learned more about laboratory research and the intricacies of neuroscience than ever before, and I enthusiastically anticipate returning at the beginning of this summer to continue expanding my mind and exploring my passion!" - Shae G., SURE program participant

The SURE Program is supported by: