Teen Experience and Leadership Program
TELP Application Process For Parents & Guardians
Do you have a teen 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) is a competitive, hands-on summer opportunity for teens who are curious about healthcare and ready to take responsibility for their own growth.
This page is designed for parents and guardians. It provides an overview of the program and application process so you can stay informed, support your teen, and understand key dates and requirements.
TELP is designed to be teen-driven. Applicants are expected to complete their own application, monitor their email, meet deadlines, and follow up on all required steps.
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 and workshops
- Mentorship with healthcare professionals
- Leadership and professional development experiences
Teens gain exposure to real healthcare environments while learning responsibility, communication, and follow-through. Skills they’ll need well beyond this program.
Check out our 2025 Closing Ceremony Booklet for more!
Your Role as a Parent or Guardian
Parents and guardians play a supportive role in TELP.
You can help by:
- Reviewing timelines and requirements with your teen
- Ensuring required medical records are available when needed
- Providing signatures for required forms
- Encouraging your teen to check their email regularly and respond on time
Applicants are responsible for all submissions, communication, and follow-up. Program communication is sent directly to the teen using the email address they provide.
How to Apply
TELP uses a competitive application process. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and some applicants may move through steps earlier than others.
Submission does not guarantee acceptance.
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
VIRTUAL Open House
Parents, guardians, and teens are welcome to 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:
- Clarification on timelines and requirements
- Answering questions about who can apply and what’s required
- Giving you a quick overview of the TELP program and what to expect
What Teens can Expect as TELP Leaders
Participants will:
- Rotate through 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 professional networks with healthcare and community leaders
Some teens may also join a health outcomes research project focused on identifying community health challenges and presenting solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, TELP is an unpaid educational program. However, teens receive documentation of their service hours, which may support future college, scholarship, or job applications.
All medical documentation must be submitted before orientation. Missing or incomplete records may delay or disqualify your application.
TELP uses a competitive, rolling application process. Applications are reviewed as they are received. If deadlines are missed, teens will not move to the next step. See HOW TO APPLY for all deadlines.
For questions about the application process, please review the information in HOW TO APPLY.
healthcare leaders
Developing the Next Generation
Over 8 weeks, teens explore careers, build leadership skills, and see what they 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