Empowering the Next Generation of Health Leaders (for juniors and seniors)

Are you a rising high school junior or senior interested in a future career in healthcare or a wellness-related field? Explore the essentials of lifestyle medicine in this four-week remote summer program designed by Stanford Lifestyle Medicine. This experience will introduce high school students to the seven Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine—Movement & Exercise, Healthful Nutrition, Restorative Sleep, Stress Management, Social Engagement, Cognitive Enhancement, and Gratitude & Purpose.

Through interactive lessons, expert-led discussions, and a final capstone project, students will discover how lifestyle factors contribute to overall health and wellbeing. Students will also engage in activities, discussions, and writing projects that develop practical skills for healthy living and effective health communication. By the end of the program, students will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their own health and inspire positive change in their communities.

• Engaging didactic lectures on the 7 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine.
• Stanford Lifestyle Medicine experts join students live to share their personal paths to wellness, offer real-world career guidance, and engage in open Q&A.
• Overview of diverse career paths in Lifestyle Medicine.
• Instructor-led coaching simulations in small breakout groups to practice motivational interviewing and real-life communication skills to encourage healthy behavior change.
• Crash Course in Lifestyle Medicine Research to empower students to think like a scientist.
• Students complete an Individual Capstone Research Project with tailored guidance from instructors.
• Selected student projects will be presented on the Stanford Lifestyle Medicine website.
• Weekly “Ask a Doc” series with Sports Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine Pediatrician.
• Step-by-step guidance on how to start a Teen Lifestyle Medicine School-Based Club or community health program.
• Certificate of Completion.

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Explain the core principles of lifestyle medicine and their impact on long-term health outcomes.
• Construct a personalized health plan incorporating lifestyle medicine practices to improve their own wellbeing.
• Analyze clinical case studies and current research to evaluate the effects of lifestyle choices.
• Develop science communication materials by creating a capstone project to promote healthy living among peers and family members.
• Produce student-driven health initiatives, with selected projects featured on the Stanford Lifestyle Medicine website.

Program structure:

• Learning model: 100% live, synchronous; via Zoom
• Duration: July 6-29, 2026
• The program will offer two sessions.
• Students may select the session that best suits their schedule.
• Both sessions take place three (3) days per week: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday:
  Session 1: 9 a.m. – 12 noon PT
  Session 2: 3 – 6 p.m. PT

Cost:

$2,500 Program Fee*
$40 Application Fee

Why join?

• Learn from Stanford University experts in lifestyle medicine.
• Gain skills in scientific research and communication.
• Develop a capstone project to drive change in your community.
• Connect with like-minded peers passionate about health and wellness.

Application deadline:

The application period has closed for the 2026 program.