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As a school based in Cleveland, home to one of the largest and most innovative medical communities in the world, Hawken is fortunate to be surrounded by renowned hospitals and research institutions that have long informed the school’s approach to teaching and learning. Recently, Hawken announced the launch of the Medical Sciences Semester (MSS) for high school students, which will debut in the spring of 2027.
This immersive program, based at Hawken’s University Circle campus and led by Director of Medical Sciences Semester and Faculty Adam Trifiro, has already been approved for provisional membership by the Semester Schools Network, which includes programs such as The Island School and the Mountain School. The MSS curriculum is aligned with the 2024 Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Premed Competencies. This experiential program will allow participants to engage in medical rounds, volunteer with local public health organizations, and learn directly from practicing professionals at leading hospitals and biotech firms. Open to Hawken students and students from around the world in grades 10 through 12, with participants required to be at least 16 years old at the start of the program, the MSS will feature a boarding component for visiting students and bring together a cohort of learners who will live and learn in the heart of Cleveland’s healthcare hub.
This new semester program builds on Hawken’s STEMM program, underscoring the school’s longstanding commitment to STEMM education. Seventeen years ago, Mr. Bob Shurtz and Dr. Robert Maciunas, former University Hospitals neurosurgery pioneer, launched programming that engaged students in high-level medical research and culminated in a research symposium. That work ultimately led to the founding of the Paepke Center for STEMM Innovation, a research program propelled by a visionary gift from an alumnus and led by Dr. Lacy Chick. Built on a long-standing tradition of research excellence, the program has seen students consistently emerge as leaders, frequently earning top honors and Grand Prizes at the Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF). Hawken is proud to continue investing in programs that keep the school at the leading edge of hands-on science and medical education.
Hawken also recognizes that a significant number of its students are already deeply committed to this field; in fact, 40% of the Class of 2025 indicated plans to pursue majors preparing them for careers in the medical sciences. In addition to this new Medical Sciences Semester and our Paepke STEMM program, Hawken is excited to announce a new Medical Sciences Pathways program for Hawken high school students, beginning with 9th graders in the 2027–2028 school year. This pathway will allow qualifying students to combine the best program elements from both the Hawken’s Upper School and the Mastery School of Hawken. In addition, students will gain hands-on experience with community partners, creating a customized learning journey and earning a Medical Sciences distinction upon graduation.
Together, these initiatives reflect a transformative moment for science at Hawken. For more information about the new semester program, visit medicalsciences.hawken.edu or to register to attend one of our upcoming virtual program sessions.