SHARP (Summer HIV/AIDS Research Program) is an innovative 10-week summer mentored internship and learning experience designed to inspire students from underrepresented communities to pursue further studies and careers in public health-oriented clinical, socio-behavioral, and community-focused research.
SHARP is funded through a grant from the National Institute of Health, and is based at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Population Health Division—a global leader dedicated to public health research. Our researchers are investigating a broad array of topics such as HIV/AIDS, substance use, and mental health research. Their research is dedicated to addressing health inequities that impact underserved communities. SHARP strives to combat these disparities by cultivating scholars to conduct research from a racial and social justice lens. In order to be impactful in addressing these disparities, it is pivotal that we develop influencers that can deeply analyze this phenomenon and initiate significant change to how we conduct research.
Each year, SHARP will partner with Heluna Health and welcome a cohort of six scholars into its program. Each of these scholars will conduct a focused research project under the mentorship of experienced faculty (please see Projects tab for a sample of projects). Scholars will also attend a series of weekly seminars on topics including research design and methods, HIV prevention approaches, substance & mental health research, professional development, health & racial equity, and possible research careers. Scholars will also have opportunities to shadow clinical trial and community outreach staff, attend community consultations on research, and participate in social and networking events with other scholars as well as minority young investigators from local academic institutions. After completing the program, scholars will be encouraged to continue interacting with each other and future cohorts through the SHARP portal, a social media and learning website.
Program Highlights
Eligibility
All candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. Candidates must also be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or certificate program or be a recent graduate (less than 2 years since graduation). Graduate students are not eligible for this program.
Individuals from communities typically underrepresented in the field of research are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes African Americans, Latinx, persons of indigenous descent (including Native Americans, and natives of Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Pacific Islands), persons with disabilities, persons from disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals who identify as transgender, lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGBT).
Ideal candidates are interested in conducting research that addresses health disparities as part of their career, interested in HIV and populations at risk, and connected to the community they want to conduct research with.
To participate, all candidates must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Stipend
SHARP is a paid internship program; participating scholars will receive a stipend of approximately $20.50/hour. Scholars are expected to work 40 hours a week and dedicate their time fully to SHARP. Support for local transportation within San Francisco is available.
There are limited housing and travel scholarships available for scholars traveling long distances. SHARP staff may be able to assist in finding housing that students can lease for the summer. Students should also look at our blog post with tips on finding housing in San Francisco.
Duration
The 2025 program is scheduled to begin June 9th and end August 15th. Scholars must be physically available for the entire program.