Summer Undergraduate Mentored Research Program (SUMR) is a full-time, paid summer internship presented by the Wharton School’s Health Care Management Department and Penn LDI at the University of Pennsylvania that introduces promising undergraduates to health services research. The 12-week program aims at creating and promoting equal opportunities for students to conduct research in graduate programs in the fields of health economics, health care management, health policy, population health, and clinical epidemiology.
Starting in 2023, in collaboration with the Population Aging Research Center (PARC), SUMR has expanded the program to attract scholars who want to get experience in aging research. The Get Experience in Aging Research Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) is a 15-month sustained fellowship program in the demography and economics of aging and health care for undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in a career in aging research.
Faculty involvement is a crucial element of these programs. As we embark on the 25th year of the SUMR program and 3rd year of the GEAR UP program, we would like to invite you to be a mentor for Summer 2025. Students work with LDI Senior Fellows and PARC Associates on active research projects throughout Summer 2025 (for SUMR) and Summer 2025 and Summer 2026 (for GEAR UP). Designed to provide an immersive experience with the disciplines and culture of the academic health services research community, the program particularly encourages candidates from minority groups that are underrepresented in this field (Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Pacific Islander, first-generation college students, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, individual with disabilities, and individuals who identify as LGTBQIA+) to apply. A committee of Penn faculty selects each year’s SUMR/GEAR UP scholars from the highly competitive applicant pool.
TO SERVE AS A SUMR/GEAR UP MENTOR:
• Send in this form by February 15, 2025.
• Mentor a SUMR scholar during 12-week program, May 27-August 15, 2025.
• Mentor a GEAR UP student during May 27–August 15, 2025 and May 26-August 14, 2025.
• The cost for a part-time SUMR scholar is $6,950 (20 hours/week), or $13,900 for a full-time SUMR scholar (40 hours/week). If you do not have funding but have a project, Joanne will work with you to try and find funding.
• GEAR UP offers support for all GEAR UP scholars working on an aging-related research project during summer months.