Undergraduate Scholars Program

The Undergraduate Scholars Program is a competitive 16-week national program for students who are interested in advancing careers in science, medicine and research.

A grid of three groups of scholars wearing lab coats and medals

The 2026-2027 application window opens on June 15.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be enrolled full-time at the same institution during the fall and spring in the same academic year
Be an undergraduate sophomore, junior or senior at a four-year institution or a second-year student at a community college
Be pursuing a science-related field
Have a science GPA of 3.2 or higher
Be able to demonstrate commitment to community service, reflecting dedication to improving health outcomes.

The program is designed for students who are committed to academic growth, research and professional development. Please note that this program cannot be used for academic credit.

Applicants must submit:

An online application
A 500-word essay describing your interests, goals and why you are applying
One letter of recommendation

Letter of recommendation requirements

Letters must be:

Written by a faculty member, pre-med/health advisor or advising committee from their school where they are currently enrolled
On official institutional letterhead
Dated and signed
Submitted directly by the recommender

Applications open: June 15, 2026

Applications close: July 17, 2026

What happens next?

June–August 2026:
Applications are reviewed and scholars are selected.

September 2026:
Scholars are announced.
Mentor matching begins and research activities start.

Scholars participate in several program experiences, including:

Mentored research (September 2026–March 2027): In-person and virtual opportunities are available.
Professional development workshops (October 2026–April 2027): Typically one session per month.
Participation in a scientific conference (Must be able to attend Scientific Sessions on November 6-8, 2026 in Chicago. All travel expenses will be covered by the program.)
Research poster presentation at the American Heart Association Scholars Research Symposium held during Spring 2027.
Participation in a scientific conference

American Heart Association Scholars receive:

A $3,000 stipend to support participation in the program
One-on-one mentorship with an experienced researcher and Heart Association staff
Hands-on research experience that strengthens academic and career preparation
Professional development workshops

Scholars also develop skills in:

Critical thinking and research analysis
Scientific communication and presentation
Professional leadership and collaboration

Participants join a national network of:

Health and research professionals
Faculty mentors
Scholars across the United States

Scholars present their work at the American Heart Association Scholars Research Symposium, highlighting their research and professional growth.

The program covers travel expenses for required program activities, including scientific conferences and the Scholars Research Symposium.

If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email.

American Heart Association Scholars Undergraduate Class of 2025-26

Adrian O. Perez Gonzalez – University of Puerto Rico - Aguadilla

Amanda Martinez – Miami Dade College - West Doral

Ameerah Lawal – University of Texas - Austin

Andrew Bowens – Tougaloo College

Aris McCrary – Clark Atlanta University

Ashley Espinoza – University of Houston - Downtown

Asia Potts – Tennessee State University

Autumn Jeffries – Dillard University

Brianna Fletcher – Spelman College

Brianna LeSure – LeMoyne-Owen College

Carlos Delgado – Paine College

Cherish Uwandu – Fisk University

Chloe Stewart – Dillard University

Chrishaya Gilliam – Winston-Salem State University

Daishia Bostick – Tennessee State University

Emma Smith – Spelman College

Eryn Yarrell – North Carolina A&T University

Gabriela Sicre Vidal – Miami Dade College - Padrón

Jaci Fortenberry – Southern University and A&M College

Jada Lusk – Jackson State University

JaMya Jackson – Lawson State Community College

Janiyah Miller – Southern University and A&M College

Jardyn Augustus – Spelman College

Jasmyn LeRoy – Stillman College

Jayden Reddins – Morehouse College

Jayla Serret – Winston-Salem State University

Jaylin Jones – Miles College

Jaylon Pearson – Miles College

Jor’Dan Whitt – North Carolina A&T University

Julianna Burunat – Florida International University

Justin Fraser – North Carolina A&T University

Justin McNairy – Jackson State University

Kaley Propst – Clark Atlanta University

Kamille Buck – Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University

Keala Johnson – Clark Atlanta University

Kenyon Hurd – Morehouse College

Keren Kasongo – Winston-Salem State University

Kiari Johnson – Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University

Kiersten Burk – Tougaloo College

Kristen Watts – Spelman College

Landon Scott – Morehouse College

Luciana Pena – Florida International University

Makayla Jordan – Paine College

Makyia Pickens – Stillman College

Marian Cuba Montero – Miami Dade College - West Doral

Mea Wilson – Tuskegee University

Melanie Gonzalez – Florida International University

Micah Davis – Xavier University of Louisiana

Myla Hudson – North Carolina A&T University

Nevaeh Ilderton – Winston-Salem State University

Orion Fears – Xavier University of Louisiana

Paola Del Mar Torres Cruz – Interamericana UP - Aguadilla

Paula Gaspar – Miami Dade College - Padrón

Phazsa Harris – LeMoyne-Owen College

Pietro Fernandes – Miami Dade College - West Doral

Simone Simmons – Tennessee State University

Tahj Williams – LeMoyne-Owen College

Tamya Franklin – Tennessee State University

Trinity Hunter – Jackson State University

Valery Pelaez – Miami Dade College - Padrón

Victoria Atkinson – Clark Atlanta University

Xaelen Maxwell – Tougaloo College

Yuliana Santos Ventura – University of Houston - Downtown

Zackary Harris – Morehouse College

ZaNeah Lee – Tennessee State University

Zara Usman – University of Houston - Downtown