Program Description

Monday, June 1, 2026 - Thursday, July 30, 2026.

The Summer Scholars Program Student Application Form must be completed by January 30, 2026.

Undergraduates: Students entering their senior undergraduate year for the Fall 2026 term, or students graduating before June 1, 2026.

Graduate or Medical Students: Students entering their first or second year of graduate or medical school for the Fall 2026 term.

Students receive a $3,000 stipend.

Eligibility

Students eligible for this program:

• Undergraduates: Students entering their senior undergraduate year for the Fall 2025 term, or students graduating before June 1, 2025.
• Graduate or Medical Students: Students entering their first or second year of graduate or medical school for the Fall 2025 term.
• Students who have completed their senior undergraduate year (or post-baccalaureate courses) and are preparing to apply to graduate or medical school in the near future. Former Summer Scholars are welcome to apply but will not be given priority acceptance.

Time commitment

Students are expected to be available full-time (approximately 40 hours per week) for the duration of the program. While there are typically no program commitments during weekends or EVMS holidays, we understand that personal matters may arise. If a student anticipates needing more than two (2) consecutive days off during the Summer Scholars Program, we kindly ask that they discuss and submit a written request (via email) to their mentor prior to accepting the program offer. This request should outline what days will be missed and how any missed responsibilities will be made up during the program period.

Once an agreement is reached, we ask that a copy be sent to the Summer Scholars team at vhssummerscholars@odu.edu.      

Students are responsible for their own housing in the Norfolk area. Summer Scholars will provide rental leads from students who are willing to lease or share their apartments. Most of these rentals are within walking distance of our campus.

Stipend

Students receive a $2,800 stipend.

Additional requirements

In addition to a research project, students will be required to:

• Participate in a lecture series on various aspects of conducting and presenting research
• Give an oral research presentation under the mentor’s guidance
• Write a scientific abstract describing their research
• Present a poster of project outcomes at the closing reception