PROMISE Summer Programs 2024

Sanford PROMISE summer programs are a great way to get hands-on science experience and learn about current research being done at Sanford Research. All programs will operate on a rolling admission with first-come first-served. Signups will close when a date reaches capacity. There is no cost associated with any of our summer programs. Please reach out to our team at Sanfordoutreach@sanfordhealth.org with any questions.


Middle School Programs:


Jedi Genetics: Exploring Genetics and Biomarkers Through a Star Wars Lens

What secrets can be discovered about our health and identity at the molecular level? In this program, students will learn about the uses of DNA and biomarkers in the diagnoses of conditions. Students will perform an ELISA and gel electrophoresis.


Open to students grades 6-8 in the 2023-2024 school year. Full attendance is required. This program is a one-day event and will be offered at several different times throughout the summer.


June 3rd | Sioux Falls, SD- Sanford Research

June 13th | Fargo, ND- NDSU Campus- Full

June 14th | Bismarck, ND-North Dakota's Gateway to Science

June 18th | Luverne, MN- Minnesota West Community and Technical College

July 9th | Sioux Falls, SD- Sanford Research


All programs run from 8:30am-3:00pm


Finding Your Roots: A Genetics and Genealogy Experience-FULL

What is more interesting than you? In this program, students will use science to answer the question “Who am I?” Students will extract and analyze their own DNA, learn about human evolution, and dig into the stories of their ancestors.


Open to students in grades 6-8 in the 2023-2024 school year. Participants will need parental/guardian permission to submit a DNA sample in April in order to be enrolled in the program. The program is limited to 24 students on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be able to attend all 4 days of this program, partial attendance will not be accepted. Check out this blog to learn more about what this program entails. There is no housing or care provided outside of program hours. If coming from outside Sioux Falls, you will be responsible for lodging and care of the student.


Times: 8:30-3:00pm- 4 days


July 23rd-26th | Sioux Falls, SD @ Sanford Research


High School Program:


Research in Action: An Inside Look at Biomedical Research

Summers at Sanford Research are very lively as college students from across the country join Sanford Research through the Sanford Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR). During this experience, high school students will be given an opportunity to shadow an undergraduate researcher during part of their routine day. The day will also consist of time in the PROMISE lab to prepare and debrief from the shadow experience.


Open to students in grades 9-12 in the 2023-2024 School Year


July 11th, 2024 - 8:30am-3:00pm | Sanford Research Center, 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD

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Do you have any relatives presently employed by Sanford Research or Sanford Health. If yes, please provide your relative(s) name and relationship to you.

Personal Statements from Applicant

Write a personal statement for each of the following. This is how the selection committee gets to know you and determine if you are a good fit for this camp experience. We recommend that you write your responses in a text file (MS Word or similar) and copy and paste your responses into these fields. (Please submit 150-350 words per open question, note word count, not character count.)

Please tell us why you would like to attend this summer program?

What type of involvement have you had in science, health, or research activities?

What are your hopes for a future career?

Health and Emergency Information

By checking this box, I do hereby give my consent to Sanford Research for my child to receive medical or surgical aid as may be necessary and expedient by a duly licensed or recognized physician or surgeon in case of an emergency when a parent or guardian cannot be reached. Consent is also given for Sanford Research or a duly appointed representative to transport my child for emergency medical treatment if a parent or guardian cannot be reached.

Contact Information

Please list a separate contact for the Emergency Contact

Please describe any accommodations that would need to be made in order to participate in this program. (special diet, learning accommodations..)

Optional Information

Our selections are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status. The purpose of this self-identification is to comply with record-keeping and reporting requirements. The data you provide on this form will be kept confidential and used solely for analytical and reporting requirement purposes. We appreciate your assistance.

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Are you from a low income family, as defined by federal guidelines: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html

Do you feel like transportation to the event location is a barrier to your attendance?

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Parent/Guardian Release and Participation Agreement

By checking the box below, I hereby consent to my child’s participation and agree to hold Sanford Research or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents, harmless in the event of an incident, injury or illness.

By signing, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the contents thereof, and that I execute the same as a free and knowing act and as the parent or legal guardian of the participant (or camper). Text serves as signature.

It is expected that students will follow lab safety protocol as laid out by the instructors. If a student is not following safety protocol or shows disrespectful behavior, parents will be called to pick their student up. Safety protocol includes: using tools as directed, being aware of surroundings and moving with intention, wearing proper PPE, safely handling glassware, and wearing proper lab attire. (Lab attire includes long pants, closed toed shoes, hair tied back.) By checking this box you agree to these expectations.

By checking this box, I hereby grant Sanford permission to use my child's likeness in photograph(s) in any and all of its publications and in any and all other media, whether now known or hereafter existing, related to the Sanford Research.

By checking this box, I hereby agree to receive communication from Gateway to Science about future opportunities

By signing, I certify that all of the information provided by me on this application is correct, accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. Text serves as signature.

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