Welcome,
Thank you for your interest in the Hillman Academy or the Undergraduate Internship (UI). While we do not envision any restrictions in 2026, the program dates, content, and the number of students accepted are subject to change based on the University of Pittsburgh and grant guidelines.
**All students will have to create a new application. We will not accept application from previous years. YES students who have only completed one summer research project may be guaranteed admission. However, even those students need to login[DB1] and complete an abbreviated application
We will host two webinars to review the program and application information. Webinars will cover the same information, you are not required to attend or view both. The registration link for the first webinar is below. The second webinar will be held in January. Everyone who started the application will be emailed the registration link, closer to the January date.
Registration to 12/10 @ 6pm webinar: Link
Programs for 2026:
1) Hillman Academy (formerly known as UPCI Academy) - All high school students over the age of 15 are eligible. This includes students who complete their senior year of high school this spring.
2) Undergraduate Internship (formerly known as Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Undergraduate Internship (DDCF-UI)) - UNDERGRADUATES ONLY. Hillman Academy alumni supported by a stipend and Hendrix University undergraduate students are eligible to apply. If you are unsure, please get in touch with us before applying. Due to funding changes, this is an unpaid internship unless a Hendrix University undergraduate student, who have separate funding.
Both the high school and undergraduate programs will select the "2026 Hillman Academy" application below.
Only applicants who fully complete their applications will be considered. If you started your application but could not finish it, please get in touch with the project manager. Those with special circumstances may be given more time.
We expect that those applying to the program are able to commit to ALL DATES and will only miss multiple days with prior permission. These programs are full-time commitments, and we request that you do not participate in other programs, classes, or jobs while in the program.
ASL Video
For those who missed the webinars, the slides for the presentation will be posted on our website. If you have further questions, contact the Project Manager at Hillman.academy@pitt.edu
If you have any questions, please visit our site for more details (https://hillmanacademy.upmc.com/).
Steven Jones
Project Manager
hillman.academy@pitt.edu