DA Alumni Development Program

OVERVIEW

The DA Alumni Development Program provides reimbursement assistance for the professional and career development of individuals who have completed the full 4-year UCSF Fresno Doctors Academy program at Caruthers, Sunnyside and Selma High School. The program’s goal is to aid DA alumni in the process of applying to medical school (MD or DO), lower the cost burden of the application process, and increase the number of homegrown medical professionals in the San Joaquin Valley. Reimbursement requests for service-based expenses incurred during medical school or in preparation for medical residency related to furthering licensure will also be considered.

The application review committee meets once per month to evaluate submissions and will notify applicants via email if a full or partial reimbursement is granted for incurred costs. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee reimbursement. 

FUNDING

is made possible by the California  Wellness Foundation and is available through November 30, 2025.

(subject to change)

Resources are limited, and reimbursement funds are allocated based on the number of applications received each month and the awarded amounts.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY! 
  • The committee meets on or before the 15th of each following month and will consider all applications received from the prior month. 
  • Applicants will be notified via email if they have been awarded and the amount awarded with additional instructions. 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible? 
  • Must have completed the full 4-year Doctors Academy Program at Caruthers High School, Sunnyside High School or Selma High School.
  • Must currently be in the process of preparing to apply or applying to medical school (MD or DO). Individuals currently enrolled in medical school can also submit reimbursement requests.
    • Expenses related to medical school exams (Example: USMLE Step 1 & Step 2) and residency application-related costs will also be considered. 
What kind of expenses are eligible for reimbursement? 
  • MCAT Exam Cost 
  • MCAT Prep Costs 
  • Medical School Application Cost (MD or DO) 
  • Medical School Secondary Application Cost 
  • CASPER/AAMC PREView Professional Readiness Exam 
  • USMLE Step 1 & Step 2
  • Residency process expenses (service-based only, ex: applications, exams, etc.) 
  • Other expenses to be considered based on relevance to preparation to apply for medical school or those accumulated during medical school or residency
What is the maximum I can be reimbursed?  

At this time, we do not have a cap on how many requests for reimbursement an individual can submit but our resources are limited, and reimbursement awards are allocated based on the number of applications received each application period and the requested amounts. Our team aims to support as many individuals as possible.  

What MCAT Prep costs are eligible for reimbursement? 

Our office does not sponsor any specific MCAT prep company or services, however, we will consider service-based expenses like test banks, content review material, and prep courses We will consider reimbursement for part, or all expenses incurred depending on the full cost of the MCAT prep expense.  

What career planning services are available for me? 
  • As an alumni of our program, we encourage you to connect 1:1 with our Program Liaison, Analeigha Ayala to discuss your current career path to health professional school. Please email [email protected]. 
  • This service is not limited to medical school interests. Our office has connections with several organizations and individuals across many health professions and we would love the opportunity to help you increase your network and get guidance on your journey. 
How far back can I request reimbursement for? 

Requests for reimbursement can be requested for expenses made between January 1, 2024 and November 30, 2025. Any expenses prior to January 1,2024 will not be considered. 

Can I submit more than once for reimbursement? 

We will only consider reimbursement once for each expense made. However, if you have incurred new costs since your previous submission, we encourage you to submit a reimbursement request so our committee can consider.  

How will I know I have been awarded a reimbursement? 

You will be notified via email by our team regarding what expenses we have selected to reimburse you for and how much you can expect. This email will also outline next steps and process to ensure you receive a reimbursement check via mail. Failure to complete all next steps once selected may result in us rescinding the award. 

Who can I contact if I have questions? 

Questions regarding the program can be sent to Program Liaison, Analeigha Ayala at [email protected]. We will review your inquiry and have the appropriate individual answer your questions. 

Is my reimbursement taxable? 
If I am awarded, when will I receive payment?

Once determination to award, we expect checks to be issued within 60 days of the notification date to the mailing address submitted.

How will payment be issued?

Payment will be issued as a physical check and sent to the adress in the application via USPS. It is suggested, but not required to research or sign up for the USPS Informed Delivery service.