REACH (Research Experience in All-around Cardiovascular Health)

The REACH Program provides comprehensive research training for William & Mary undergraduates interested in cardiovascular health. Participants engage in full-time, faculty-mentored summer research at VCU Health Sciences, working alongside experts at the Pauley Heart Center in Richmond, VA. Research topics are broad, covering biomedical science, healthcare disparities, medical data management, medical sociology, and more.

Before the summer, students complete a 1-credit preparatory course at William & Mary during the spring semester. There is also the opportunity to continue your research during the academic year, the following summer, and potentially as an Honors thesis.

Who Qualifies for the REACH Program?

The program encourages applications from students with a strong interest in cardiovascular health research. The ideal candidate is a sophomore, but juniors and exceptional first-year students are also eligible. This opportunity is especially valuable for students considering careers in health-related research, medicine (MD), or biomedical sciences (PhD).

Program Details:

• Spring: 1-credit preparatory course at W&M
• Summer (~May 20–July 30): Full-time research experience at VCU
• Includes summer health careers programming, a stipend, and free housing on the VCU campus
• Approximately 8 students are selected each year
• In some cases, students may participate for a second summer

Application Information:

The application cycle for summer 2025 is closed. The Summer 2026 REACH application will be available in early Fall 2025. To stay updated, sign up for the pre-med advisors' email listserve and watch for the application announcement.

For more information, check out the YouTube video: Project REACH: Students examine effects of chemotherapy on the heart - YouTube