PCOM Opportunities Academy | STEM Program for Philly Students
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PCOM Opportunities Academy 
Philadelphia Summer STEM Program

Philadelphia area high school student participants have the opportunity to explore careers in health care while building relationships with PCOM faculty and medical student mentors during this summer STEM camp.

The Opportunities Academy takes place in June of each year at PCOM's Philadelphia campus on City Avenue. This program is available to Philadelphia area high school students at no cost.

High school students smile while donning their student physician white coats in a lab PCOM's Opportunities Academy summer STEM program

About our STEM program

Students will participate in clinical skills simulations in the Saltzburg Clinical Learning and Assessment Center, visit the anatomy lab, participate in heart and brain anatomy labs, learn CPR and more. Additionally, participants will learn about the college application process as well as build networks with physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, physical therapists, counselors, psychologists and other healthcare professionals.

How to apply

Registration for the 2026 Opportunities Academy is closed. Sign up for our interest list to learn about future programs.

Overview

The Opportunities Academy at PCOM aims to inspire Philadelphia-area high school students to explore careers in science and health care, learn about college planning and develop the confidence to successfully pursue undergraduate education.

Growth and outreach

  • 67 enrolled students in 2026. This is a 38% increase in applications from 2025.
  • 167 total applicants in 2026. This is an 18% increase in enrollment from 2025.
  • 45 high schools represented:
    • 57 students from PA; 3 students from NJ; and 1 student from FL.
    • Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties were represented.

Student impact

  • 95% of students plan to attend a four-year institution.
  • 100% of students strongly agreed or agreed the Opportunities Academy program increased their confidence in pursuing a career in health care.
  • 60% of students are very interested or interested in pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine after participating in the Opportunities Academy.

Current PCOM medical and graduate students play a vital role in the planning and implementation of the Opportunities Academy. PCOM students can apply now to the mentor position until November 1, 2026.

Alicia Hahn-Murphy, MS
Senior Director, Office of Campus and Community Partnerships
Email: pcomopportunitiesacademy@pcom.edu

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“Prior to this program, my goal of attending medical school was driven by a broad desire to heal and serve. However, this program fundamentally sharpened my educational focus by shifting my perspective from broader medicine to specific areas.”

Rising sophomore

“I am now confident, assured, [that] I will be a physician one day.”

Rising senior

“I know more about DOs and would like to pursue that over MD.”

Rising senior