Public Health Pre-College Programs
Pre-college programs at Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health provide informative and insightful opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to learn about a broad range of public health topics.
Public Health Institute for Leadership &
Advocacy (PHILA) Pre-College Program
Hosted by the Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University's Public Health Institute for Leadership &
Advocacy (PHILA) Pre-College Program is a one-week academic program in June for highly motivated high school students who are seeking experiences that will help prepare them for college life. The application is open now.
Make meaningful connections with your peers while preparing for college life in an immersive setting and learning more about studying public health in Philadelphia.
Public Health Institute for Leadership &
Advocacy (PHILA) Pre-College Program
The 2026 program will be offered over two different weeks in July:
Session 1: Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10, 2026
Session 2: Monday, July 20 – Friday, July 24, 2026
Both weeks follow the same agenda.
This is an excellent program for students who have interests in but not limited to: science, health services, public health, medicine, health, communications, environmental sciences, policy, sociology, and psychology.
Registration Information
Rolling admissions are open now through Friday, June 19, 2026.
The application asks students to submit a personal essay (250 words or less) and two references (personal or professional).
Apply Now
If you have any questions about the program, please email Tariem Burroughs, PhD, MSEd, MSODL, Executive Director for External Partnerships, at tab54@drexel.edu.
About the Week-Long Program
Download a program flyer
Philadelphia-area students entering either their junior or senior year in high school explore all facets of public health, from advocacy to policy making, health administration and management, preventive health, the environment and its impact on health outcomes, and the fascinating world of epidemiologists.
Now in its sixth year, this pre-college program provides students with opportunities to come up with their own real-world solutions to public health problems and learn more about how local health departments protect the public.
Day trips and visits in the field are in Philadelphia and the surrounding city limits. Discussions are led by public health experts and award-winning professors from the Dornsife School of Public Health.
Students experience site visits, such as a tour of City Hall, and are introduced to policy makers, public health advocates, and public health students. Read all about last year's summer institute.
This program is proud to have received an Innovative Curriculum honorable mention from the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health in 2023.
Eligibility
High school juniors and seniors (commuting required). This is an excellent program for students who have interests in but not limited to public health, medicine, health, communications, environmental sciences, policy, sociology, and psychology.
Cost
The cost is $450 (financial assistance available). Lunch is included.
Payment for accepted students may be submitted through Drexel's secure payment portal.
Location and Residential Information
Participants are responsible for commuting each day to Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health.
The Dornsife School of Public Health is at the heart of Drexel's campus in Nesbitt Hall, located at 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Students must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Dornsife School of Public Health since the program does not provide housing.
Contact Information
For more information about the curriculum, please contact:
Tariem Burroughs, PhD, MSEd, MSODL
Executive Director for External Partnerships
tab54@drexel.edu