The Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy (VSSA) offers undergraduates from four-year institutions the chance to immerse themselves in Vanderbilt’s biomedical ecosystem—through mentored research experiences, shadowing and clinical observation opportunities, and other program-specific learning activities.
Each program provides its own focus and structure—for example, laboratory research with a faculty mentor, exposure to clinical environments, or a blend of both. Program details (including eligibility and requirements) are listed on each program’s page.
There are multiple programs under the VSSA umbrella, each with their own requirements and directors, so read the descriptions carefully. Please explore programs HERE .
- Applicants must be enrolled full time in an undergraduate institution and cannot have graduated by the time the programs start.
- Applicants can apply for more than one program, but are encouraged to focus on the their first choice of programs.
Applications for Summer 2026 open November 1. For program-specific questions, please contact the person listed on that program’s page. General questions can be directed to vssa@vanderbilt.edu