Science Enrichment Preparation Program

Gain the competitive edge with SEP!

Held each summer on the UNC campus, the SEP Program is an eight-week, honors-level academic enrichment program for disadvantaged undergraduate students (rising sophomores and juniors) who seek admission into graduate/health professional programs. Additionally, you will receive educational supplies, lodging on the UNC campus, limited travel expenses (contingent upon funding) and a competitive stipend.

During the program, students:

  • Engage in more than 150 hours of classroom instruction in physics, organic chemistry, human physiology and quantitative skills/biostatistics
  • Attend classes and seminars in reading speed and comprehension, test-taking strategies, essay writing, and interview techniques.
  • Visit local health facilities and network with health care professionals
  • Shadow a working professional in your health field of interest

Become an SEP Scholar today!

Testimonials

“Everything that I have ever learned – every degree I have earned – I’ve been able to use it in my every day life, in my profession and in my career. I am able to teach. I am able to provide care. I am able to engage in research and educate people on my profession at the local, state and national level. All these things have been made possible by the foundation I gained from the SEP Program and NC-HCAP.”
– Janet Southerland, SEP Class of 1984

“The SEP Program was the turning point in my life. Participating in the program was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. It helped me realize that I did have what it takes to become a health professional, something that for a long time I struggled to believe.”
– Franklin Diaz, SEP Class of 2009

“Prior to the SEP Program, I had not been exposed to organic chemistry, human physiology or physics. I was overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of new information, but I knew my ability to excel in future science courses and to pass entrance exams was contingent on my comprehension of the material in these science courses. After the SEP Program, I knew something drastic had happened to me, and I was excited to return to UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall to take on my classes. I started the semester and got hundreds on my physics tests, organic chemistry tests and every test I took. The SEP Program provided me with the study skills and tools to succeed.”
– Franklin Diaz, SEP Class of 2009

“Throughout the program, Ms. Borden and two program assistants emphasized the importance of networking. When I was given the chance to shadow a pharmacist, I decided to make the most of that opportunity. I was able to make a great impression on the pharmacist I shadowed and the manager of the pharmacy. Through networking with them, I was able to contact another pharmacist in Raleigh and was offered a job by the end of the summer. This professional experience not only helped me learn and grow, but also provided me with a stepping stone to connect with other local pharmacists and health professions. My experiences solidified my decision to pursue a career in pharmacy as opposed to medicine, which was my original career goal and intention in participating in the SEP Program.”
– Michael Chargualaf, SEP Class of 2009