About the SURE Program

Ensuring a workforce that represents all communities and backgrounds can help address barriers in health care delivery and outcomes.

The SURE program supports individuals interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine (STEMM) fields or careers.

The American Heart Association collaborates with learning institutions to provide research experience and mentoring. Students within a laboratory will be assigned to a mentor who is connected to the AHA -  whether as a member, grant recipient or advocate - to conduct research that fits within the AHA mission. The summer program lasts 8 to 10 weeks, from May or June to August. A virtual component allows students to participate in programs from other hosts.

At a minimum, SURE recipients:

• Must be interested in a health care-related field.
• Must display exemplary academic performance.
• Must be full-time undergraduate, rolling into their sophomore, junior or senior year.
• Must be able to dedicate 8-10 weeks between the end of May and August.
• Must present at a symposium at the end of the program.
• Must meet immigration requirements: At time of application, the student must be a United States citizen, or a foreign national holding a valid student, exchange or permanent resident visa, including an F-1, H1, H1B, J1, PR, TC or TN visa.

The institutions provide a suggested training plan that includes:

• Research experience
• Curriculum, including compliance training, responsible conduct of research and work-life concerns such as stress and time management.
• Other

AHA Benefits include:

• $6,000 stipend
• Travel expenses (primarily air travel)
• Stipend for housing (for non-local students) – (If institution provides it)
• Opportunity to attend AHA Scientific Sessions – All expenses paid
• Networking and other resources