About the Program

The Fleming Scholar Program was founded in 1956 as a way to give Oklahoma’s high school and college students “hands-on” biomedical research experience. The program is named for Sir Alexander Fleming, the famed British scientist, who discovered penicillin and in 1949 came to Oklahoma City to formally dedicate the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s first building. In the first news release about the program in 1956, the late Dean A. McGee, then Chairman of the Board of Directors’ Executive Committee, expressed the philosophy behind the program:

“We feel that students will greatly benefit from the opportunity of working shoulder-to-shoulder in the laboratories with our scientific personnel. Our scientists feel also that in this way they can make a direct contribution to the solution of the critical manpower shortage in the field of biology and medical research. We are shorthanded in terms of having adequate staff to do the job of expanding our knowledge in the field of human health, and perhaps by this program, we will be helping identify and stimulate the scientists of tomorrow.”

In 1982, the Fleming Scholar Program became a model for a national program funded by the federal government to bring the best and brightest high school and college students into contact with the best and brightest scientific and mathematical minds in government and non-government laboratories.

Today the Fleming Scholar Program remains popular, attracting as many as 100 applicants each year.

Eligibility

To apply for the Fleming Scholar Program, you MUST be:

• An Oklahoma resident at the time of high school graduation.
• At least 16 years of age.
• Classified as a high school senior or college freshman, sophomore or junior at the time of application submission.
• A United States citizen or permanent resident or have unrestricted employment authorization in accordance with applicable Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations (example: J-2 with Employment Authorization Document). Applicants with an H-4 visa are not eligible.
• Willing and able to commit to the program’s entire eight-week time frame, which begins the first Monday following Memorial Day.

Scholars are selected based on aptitude and interest in science and math, academic standing, essays and recommendation letters written as part of the application process.

Instructions

• Applicants must submit all of the following by the February 1 deadline:
  1. Application Form — Access and complete the Laboratory Application via the online applicant tracking system.
  2. Transcripts — Attach your unofficial transcript(s) via the online application system when prompted to add “Transcript 1, 2 and/or 3”. College students must submit both high school and college transcripts.
  3. Essay — Attach your long essay response via the online application system when prompted to add “Essay”. Your essay should describe why you wish to participate in biomedical research for eight weeks at OMRF. We are especially interested in how well you formulate your ideas and express them. You might want to explain how an interest, experience, or project led to your better understanding of a scientific principle or how you displayed critical analysis and creativity in solving a problem. Please do NOT exceed two pages.
  4. Recommendation Forms and Letters — References must send a recommendation letter on their organization’s letterhead along with a completed Recommendation Form.  Send a minimum of two and maximum of three recommendation letters with accompanying forms directly to the Fleming Scholar Selection Committee, via e-mail FlemingScholars@omrf.org. or mail: OMRF Fleming Scholar Program, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
• It is preferred that the entire application packet be submitted electronically however if not possible, items other than the application form may be submitted via any of the following avenues:
  1. Scan and e-mail: FlemingScholars@omrf.org.
  2. Mail or deliver to: OMRF Fleming Scholar Program, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
• Do not use staples for any mailed or delivered material.
• Extra materials, such as additional recommendation letters or resumes, will not be accepted.
• Incomplete application packets or materials received later than February 1 will be disqualified.
• The application process is considered complete once the applicant receives an electronic confirmation number and upon submission of at least two reference letters/forms.
• If you have any questions or trouble applying, please e-mail FlemingScholars@omrf.org or contact Carlisa Curry (405-271-7439, 800-522-0211 or carlisa-curry@omrf.org).

Application Deadline

All completed application packets must be submitted and/or postmarked by February 1.

Application and Recommendation Form

Access the Laboratory Application which will be available in the Fall
Download the Recommendation Form

Interviews

The Fleming Scholar Selection Committee will select up to 25 finalists to interview.  Interview dates will be announced in January, 2015. Out-of-state applicants can interview via Skype or phone. All applicants will be notified of their standing by the end of February.

Program Dates

The program runs for eight weeks beginning the Monday after Memorial Day.   Because the program is so rigorous and intense, scholars must commit to the entire timeframe.

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