JumpStart is a one-week commuter Pathway Program at the UCR School of Medicine for recent high school graduates who will become incoming first-year students at UCR. Incoming first-year students interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences are strongly encouraged to apply. This program provides students an opportunity to create strong social connections with the pre-medical community at UCR, gain public speaking and teamwork skills needed to succeed in a university-level learning environment and become familiar with life at UCR. 

Inspired by the FastStart program, JumpStart aims to aid first-generation and socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Throughout the program, JumpStart students will be introduced to medical school faculty and staff, current medical students at the UCR School of Medicine, and current undergraduate students who will help provide participants with the tools and resources needed to successfully navigate their journeys toward careers in healthcare.

This program typically takes place in late August. Students can expect to dedicate 40 hours towards participation in the program. Lunch is included for all student participants.