SHARP (Summer HIV/AIDS Research Program) is an innovative 10-week summer internship and mentored 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 all communities. 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 partners 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 the Past 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, 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.

Program highlights

Program Highlights

  • item iconGain hands-on experience conducting a research project
  • item iconReceive one-on-one mentoring from an experienced researcher
  • item iconExplore career options in scientific research and public health
  • item iconParticipate in workshops and seminars led by internationally recognized experts in HIV/AIDS, mental health, and substance use research
  • item iconNetwork with Bay Area students and young researchers
  • item iconLearn about conducting research responsibly – in a way that respects participants and communities

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.

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 Bay Area transportation using Clipper Cards 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.

Duration

The program runs for 10 weeks. The 2027 program is tentatively scheduled to run from June 8 through August 14, 2027, with dates subject to change. Scholars are required to commit to full-time, in-person participation for the entire duration of the program.
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