Office of Student Engagement and Cultural Affairs
Pathway Programs

Bridging the Gaps Program

Application Information

About the Program

BTG is an in-resident 8-week summer research program for undergraduate students interested in medicine, health, and biomedical sciences. BTG scholars conduct cutting edge research in the laboratories of Keck School of Medicine (KSOM) Faculty who serve as mentors. Students are provided with basic science, translational and clinical research experiences. Additionally, all students attend weekly seminars on important health topics and receive formal instruction in basic physiology and biostatistics. The summer session culminates with students presenting their research findings to the KSOM community.

This program is open to all eligible individuals. BTG operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor. Summer scholars will conduct cutting-edge research in the laboratories of Keck faculty.

Apply Here
Student in the lab looking through a microscope

Program Highlights

  • Scholars receive a stipend. There are no tuition or fees.
  • Transportation costs and University housing are paid by the program (staying in on-campus housing for duration program is required).
  • Weekly didactic lectures in physiology, pathophysiology, and biostatistics.
  • Seminars focusing on relevant health issues
  • Opportunities to shadow at affiliated hospitals: Keck, LA General Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
  • Career development workshops: financial aid, MCAT prep, graduate school admission process, test taking skills, organization skills, time management, career choices, interview and presentation skills.

Applying to the program

Program Dates: June 8 – July 31, 2026

Application Opens: December 2025
Application Deadline: February 2, 2026

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Complete at least 2 years of undergraduate study
  • Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Submission of official college transcripts
  • Submission of two Faculty Letters of Recommendation (at least one must be from a Faculty in the Life/Physical Sciences)

*Applicants from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

*Applications that are missing official transcripts and/or Faculty Letters of Recommendation will be considered incomplete, and ineligible.

All participants are required to be fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 unless they have an approved exemption because of a disability, medical contraindication, or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance, per university policy. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated (i.e., those who qualify for a medical or religious exemption) are required to wear a facial covering indoors and outdoors when distancing cannot be maintained and be tested regularly.

 

For questions regarding your application or the application process, please contact:

Bridging the Gaps
Keck Office of Student Engagement and Cultural Affairs
Email: keckoseca@usc.edu