Become a Scholar
The Scholar Experience
The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy commitment requires a considerable effort from each participant. This program is intended for rising high school sophomore students. No other major activities should be planned for the duration of the summer program. At the conclusion of the summer program, students will present their work at an award reception and receive a monetary Voelcker Student Award. Students will also be invited to activities scheduled during the academic school year and are expected to make every effort to attend.
All scholars who have recently completed their first summer in the Academy, are required to present at their respective schools. If you attend a school where the Program has not been shared with you and you are interested, we will be hosting an informational session via Zoom later this Fall. Please continue to frequent the website for updated information.
Who Qualifies
Students must be rising Sophomores (Freshman in the 2024-2025 school year) to apply to the Academy. Additionally, students must be nominated by a committee put together at their respective schools, meeting the grade and age criteria which are: 90% or above in Math, Science and English (85% if in Pre-AP, AP or Dual Credit courses) and be at least 15 years of age by June 15, 2025.
The Application Process
Every high school in the Greater San Antonio Area will be given the opportunity to submit up to 3 potential candidates for VBRA Application. Information regarding instructions and website information has been sent to schools. Deadline for candidates from school selection is will end January 28, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
Those candidates will then be provided access to an electronic application on February 7, 2025. The application deadline will be March 7, 2025 at 11:59 pm.
Interviewees will be selected from the applicants who meet the requirements and time deadline.
The final cohort determination will occur in mid Spring 2025 (last week of April), for entry into the Voelcker Academy Research Academy Class of Summer 2025.
*Please keep in mind this is a 3 year, longitudinal program requiring a commitment over a duration of 7 weeks in the summer.
Student Spotlight
To learn more about the Scholar experience, click on both of the links below. At the conclusion of the their first summer, Scholars present project proposals developed in concert with their mentors. At the conclusion of their final summer within the program, Scholars showcase their research through the publication of an abstract. You can learn more about our Scholars below as well!
Recent Scholar Biographies
Our scholars are from San Antonio and the surrounding areas. To learn a little bit about our wonderfully unique scholars, read their biographies.
Graduating Senior Scholar Abstracts
The Voelcker Academy is a 3 year commitment, gaining exposure in the biomedical profession. The scholars selected are matched with mentors whose lab they will work in for a wide range of research fields. To learn more, check out our alumni abstracts.