DC Health and Academic Prep Program (DC HAPP)

About DC HAPP

DC HAPP is a pipeline program coordinated by the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Its mission is to expand access to healthcare careers for motivated high school students. Each year, sixteen rising 11th and 12th graders from public and public charter schools across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region are selected for a four-week summer experience based on their interest in medicine and their potential to succeed in the field. After completing the four-week program, students also have the opportunity to shadow healthcare professionals at GW Hospital.

During the program, DC HAPP scholars explore a wide range of health professions, practice hands-on clinical skills, design and present public health projects, and receive guidance on college readiness, including applications, essays, and navigating college life. Throughout the experience, medical students, physicians, and other healthcare professionals serve as mentors and educators. 

DC HAPP seeks to:

• Identify, recruit, and support talented students who are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.
• Strengthen connections between students and the healthcare community, including physicians, physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists, public health practitioners, and medical researchers.
• Provide resources and encouragement that promote academic success beyond high school and help students prepare for professional pathways in medicine and health.
• Build strong relationships between scholars and the George Washington University community.

DC HAPP 2026 Cohort Application Information

Eligibility Requirements 

• Be currently enrolled as a high school sophomore or junior at the time of application. (Students will be entering their junior or senior year in Fall 2026).
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Demonstrate interest in pursuing a career in medicine or the healthcare field.
• Be able to commit to the full four-week summer program.
• Agree to stay connected with their mentor and program staff through regular follow-up from the summer program until high school graduation and beyond.

Application & Required Materials 

Students must submit all required application materials by Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Applications that are missing any materials by this deadline will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

• Student Application
• Two Personal Essays
  • Describe your interest in medicine or the health sciences. What experiences, classes, or observations sparked that interest? What careers or topics are you curious about, and how do you hope DC HAPP will support your future goals? (Required 300–400 words)
  • Tell us about a personal value, quality, or part of your identity that is important to who you are. Explain where it comes from, how it shows up in your daily life, and why it matters to you. (Required 300–400 words)
• Resume
• Unofficial Transcript
• Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Two teachers/administrators
  • One teacher/administrator and one non-teacher (coach, mentor, religious leader, etc. — no family members). 

  • Apply Here 

DC HAPP Community Health Project Publications

• Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library, Health Sciences Research Commons

DC HAPP Articles

• Shaping the Future of D.C.’s Health Workforce (2025)
• DC HAPP Offers High School Students Vision for the Future (2018 cohort)
• DC HAPP Scholars Graduate (2017 cohort)
• Local Rising High School Seniors Get Hands-on Approach to Medicine (2017 cohort)
• Exploring the Potential of Medicine (2016 cohort)
• A Path to the Future (2015 cohort)
• Preparing Students for Health Care Careers (2009 & 2010 cohorts)

Mentor Application Information

• 2025 DC HAPP Mentor Application