Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP)

The Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP) is an academically challenging enrichment program that offers high school students a glimpse of education and career opportunities in health care professions. Taught by medical, graduate, public health, and health profession students, faculty, and staff from various cultural backgrounds. HPREP helps high school students to understand the level of commitment needed to pursue a future in science and medicine. 

Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern (STARS) / Summer Research Program (SRP) for Students

Developed in 1991 to improve the quality of science education in North Central Texas, STARS (Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern) provides opportunities for middle and high school teachers and students to expand science awareness and develop a greater appreciation for science-related careers.

One of the most popular programs within STARS is the Summer Research Program (SRP). Created to encourage high school students with exceptional academic records and a love of science to pursue science-related careers, students and teachers work side-by-side with a faculty host in a research laboratory during the eight-week SRP. Student participants experience firsthand what life as a scientist is like, working in a lab, observing and recording data, and analyzing their findings. When they complete the Summer Research Program, students serve as ambassadors at their high schools by giving presentations outlining their research experience to their fellow students.

STARS originally was intended for students of the Dallas Independent School District, but limited funding is now available for students from other school districts as well. Interested students and teachers should contact the STARS Program at 214-648-9505 or 1-800-81-STARS.