Look here first for answers to common questions.
We encourage all interested students to apply to this program. We required a demonstrated interest and commitment to Native American communities.
We require that students are enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate degree program with at least one year completed prior to the start date of the program.
We require that students are enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate degree program with at least one year completed prior to the start date of the program.
No. In order to apply, applicants must be a U.S citizen or have a permanent residence visa. Return to top
The application for the following year will be available on the Four Directions website by December. Please take note of the application due dates as well.
You will need to complete a personal statement detailing your interest and involvement in the Native American community. Applicants are also required to submit two letters of recommendation.
A copy of your official transcript is not required.
We highly recommend that you obtain at least one letter from someone who can attest to your academic achievement. We also ask that one letter come from a mentor who can attest to your involvement or commitment to the Native American community. These letters of recommendation are carefully considered by the reviewers, so please consider carefully who you ask to provide these letters. Please avoid submitting letters written by family members/ relatives.
Yes! You may submit as many that you feel would be appropriate or necessary to complement your application.
Yes. Periodically, we will send all applicants status emails prior to the deadline about what materials we have received, and what is still missing. You will also be notified once your application is fully complete.
Your recommenders should be sending their letters on your behalf. Please let them know that there are various options. They can email it to FourDirections@partners.org, fax it to 617-264-5110 or mail it to:
Elena Muench
Office for Multicultural Faculty Careers
Center for Faculty Development and Diversity
1620 Tremont Street, 3-014
Boston, MA 02120 Return to top
During the summer, your focus will be to participate in a basic science research project. You will be assigned a faculty mentor who you will work closely with to complete the project over the 8-week summer period.
No. We assign mentors based on the information in your application and our experience working with our research mentors.
Aside from your lab work, students will participate in weekly career developmentseminars, weekly talking circles involving other FDSRP students and program leadership; as well as a final research presentation during the final week. This oral presentation will be delivered in front of FDSRP students, directors and other medical school faculty.
Of course! Everyone at FDSRP works hard to ensure that all participants enjoy themselves while they are attending the program. We plan some group activities such as various tours throughout Boston, a program BBQ, and other sight seeing events. There will be some open weekends where you will have additional free-time to do your own exploring around Boston as well!
We provide housing in Vanderbilt Hall – a Harvard Medical School student dormitory. Each student will be housed in a single room. Students are responsible for providing for their own meals. We will occasionally provide lunch or dinner at various program events and activities.Return to top