N. Louisiana high school seniors apply now for SMART Program at LSUS

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – High school seniors looking to get an advantage over members of their freshman cohort in college can enroll in a new internship program geared toward science and medical professions.

The Bobbie Cates Hicks Science and Medicine Academic Research Training Program, or SMART, is now open for enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year. The program is a partnership between BRF, LSU Health Shreveport, and the Caddo, Bossier, and DeSoto Parish school boards. BRF has provided funding and program coordination since the program’s start in 1997.

“LSU Health Shreveport is pleased to provide in-depth research opportunities for students in the SMART program in partnership with BRF. We highly encourage high school seniors to apply to the SMART program as we have seen firsthand the positive impact this program has had in students gaining admission into their college of choice and in getting a taste for what a career in research is like,” shared Jason Bodily, PHD, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, LSU Health Shreveport.

SMART is a yearlong research experience with faculty advisors at LSU Health Shreveport. Spots are open for eight to 12 academically advanced high school seniors with career interests in medicine, biomedical research, or biomedical engineering.

In the 28 years of the program, 257 SMART graduates have completed it. In a survey of SMART graduates, 100 percent of respondents said they are currently attending or have attended college, and over 80 percent said they currently major or have majored in science or health-related disciplines. Another 81 percent said they plan to attend or have already attended a postgraduate institution.

“After almost three decades, SMART continues to be a wonderful way for our region’s students to get a leg up on their careers,” said John F. George Jr., M.D., BRF President and CEO. “The lab experience that these students have with their mentors at LSU Health Shreveport is unique and provides opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge that many of their college peers may not already have.

Application deadline is February 28 at 4 p.m. Click the application page link to apply for the 2025-2026 Hicks SMART Program.