Teen Experience and Leadership Program
Your Future in Healthcare Starts with TELP
Are you ready to step into scrubs, shadow healthcare professionals, and lead projects that make a real difference?
Application Opens: Friday, January 16, 2026 at 8 AM
Grady’s Teen Experience and Leadership Program (TELP) offers more than a typical summer program. It gives you a real look into healthcare. Over 7 weeks, you’ll explore careers, build leadership skills, and see what you can achieve. Take this opportunity to learn, lead, and make a difference.
What is TELP?
TELP is an 7-week, hands-on, summer program for students aged 14 to 19 who have completed 9th grade and want to learn about healthcare careers.
TELP participants gain experience through clinical and non-clinical rotations, interactive labs, workshops, and mentorship.
- Real-world experience in healthcare settings
- Leadership skills you can use for life
- Opportunities to discover new career paths
- Connections with mentors and peers who share your interests
Whether you dream of being a physician, nurse, researcher, administrator, or public health advocate, TELP helps you discover your strengths and take your first steps as a healthcare leader.
Check out our 2025 Closing Ceremony Booklet for more!
Parents/Guardians, learn more about how you can support your teen during the application process.
Who Can Apply?
TELP is designed for motivated and curious teens who:
- Are aged 14–19 and have completed 9th grade
- Want to explore different healthcare careers
- Are excited to connect with professionals and peers
- Are open to mentorship, research, and hands-on projects
Critical Dates
- Application Period Opens: Friday, January 16, 2026
- Application Period Closes: Friday, February 20, 2026
- Interviews Begin: Monday, March 9, 2026
- Orientation Begins: Monday, April 20, 2026
- Acceptance Letter Deadline: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Summer Program Begins: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
How to Apply
TELP uses a competitive, rolling application process. Please review all requirements and deadlines BEFORE submitting your application, as they vary from year to year. The application process is the same for new and returning teens.
- Applicants must carefully follow all instructions and meet posted deadlines.
- Incomplete or late submissions may not be reviewed.
- Applications are reviewed as they come in. Some applicants may move through the process sooner than the published timeline.
- Submission does not guarantee acceptance.
PRO TIP: Read the process carefully and have your headshot photo, immunization record, and a parent/guardian nearby who can sign your media release form when you apply.
APPLY ONLINE
APPLY ONLINEFriday, January 16 – Friday, February 20, 2026
To apply, you must:
- Complete the online application and upload or complete the following:
- Headshot
- Immunization record
- Media Release form (requires parent/guardian signature)
- Volunteer Acknowledgment form
Take care when entering your email address. All future program communication will be sent there. Check your inbox often, including spam/junk folders, for next steps.
Only complete applications move to the next step. Incomplete or late submissions may not be reviewed.
YOUSCIENCE ASSESSMENT
YOUSCIENCE ASSESSMENTMonday, February 23 – Sunday, March 8, 2026
Take the YouScience career assessment. You’ll get a link by email. This required, research-based test helps identify your strengths and matches you with healthcare career paths where you’re likely to succeed.
INTERVIEW + INFORMATION ROUND
INTERVIEW + INFORMATION ROUNDMonday, March 9 – Friday, March 27, 2026
This step is required for both new applicants and returning TELP Leaders. It checks your readiness, commitment, and fit with the program’s mission. You’ll also learn more about what to expect and can ask any questions you have.
TB SCREENING
TB SCREENINGFriday, March 27 – Saturday, April 11, 2026
If you are accepted, you are required to complete a QuantiFERON-TB Gold test. No other TB tests are accepted. This is the last medical clearance you need. Please allow up to 7 business days for your test results to be processed and reviewed.
ACCEPTANCE LETTERS ISSUED
ACCEPTANCE LETTERS ISSUEDSaturday, April 18, 2026
Applicants will be notified of final decisions and next steps on or before April 18, 2026. Be sure to check the email address you provided, including your spam or junk folders.
TRAINING AND ORIENTATION
TRAINING AND ORIENTATIONMonday, April 20 to Thursday, April 23, 2026
All accepted applicants are required to attend the following virtual and in-person sessions.
- Pre-orientation (virtual), Monday, April 20, 2026
- HIPAA & Compliance Training (virtual), Tuesday, April 21, 2026
- Orientation (in-person), Thursday, April 23, 2026
PROGRAM BEGINS ON Tuesday, May 26 and runs through July 14, 2026!
Need help with the TELP application or have questions about the program? Join us online for live support during our Virtual Open House hours, held every Tuesday and Thursday starting January 20 through February 19, 2026.
Open House times:
- Tuesdays: 6 PM – 7 PM
- Thursdays: NOON – 1 PM
Join a ZOOM session here.
We can help with:
- Explaining what happens next and when
- Answering questions about who can apply and what’s required
- Giving you a quick overview of the TELP program and what to expect
What to Expect as a TELP Leader
As a TELP Leader, you will:
- Join clinical and non-clinical rotations tailored to your skills and interests
- Learn from guest speakers across healthcare fields
- Take part in virtual learning labs
- Build your network with healthcare and community leaders
You can also choose to join a health outcomes research project, where you’ll identify health challenges in your community, design solutions, and present your work at the Health Outcomes Research Showcase.
Frequently Asked Questions
A TELP Leader is more than a student volunteer. You are a changemaker in training. You’ll practice leadership, learn to collaborate with healthcare professionals, and develop the confidence to shape the future of healthcare.
All medical documentation must be submitted before orientation. Missing or incomplete records may delay or disqualify your application.
TELP Leaders receive a program t-shirt that must be worn during shifts. You may wear khakis, jeans, or scrub bottoms (no rips, stains, or tears). Closed-toe shoes are required for safety; no Crocs or open-back shoes.
You must complete the assessment to participate. Incomplete assessments disqualify applicants.
For questions about the application process, please review the information in HOW TO APPLY.
No, TELP is an unpaid educational program. However, you’ll receive documentation of your service hours, which may support future college, scholarship, or job applications.
healthcare leaders
Developing the Next Generation
Over 7 weeks, you’ll explore careers, build leadership skills, and see what you can achieve. It’s an opportunity to learn, lead, and make a difference.
WHAT IS TELP?
Dr. Yolanda Wimberly
“Our ultimate goal is to increase the healthcare workforce in the nation as well as at Grady.”
Watch Their Story