About the Fellowship

The highly competitive Stanford Chariot Innovation Fellowship is a six-week, in-person program for undergraduate and medical students interested in the intersection of pediatric healthcare, immersive technology, and human-centered design. 

The 2026 fellowship runs Monday through Thursday, from June 22 to July 30. 

Hosted at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, the fellowship immerses students in real clinical environments where they learn to identify unmet needs, observe patient and provider experiences, and design compassionate, ethical technology-driven solutions. Fellows work alongside clinicians, researchers, child life specialists, and the Chariot team to explore how immersive tools such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive media can reduce anxiety, support education, and improve wellbeing for children and families in the hospital setting.

The program is grounded in design thinking methodology, emphasizing empathy, iteration, and collaboration. Through clinical shadowing, patient play,and hands-on prototyping, fellows move from observation to insight to concept development. Workshops led by design and innovation experts guide participants through problem framing, inclusive design, ethical considerations, and professional storytelling.

By the end of the fellowship, participants produce a portfolio-ready project, gain meaningful clinical exposure, and develop the skills needed to lead innovation in healthcare with curiosity, creativity, and compassion. 

No prior hospital or technical experience is required. The program is designed for students who are curious, thoughtful, and motivated to improve healthcare experiences through human-centered innovation.

The fellowship pays a stipend of $1,000. The Stanford Chariot Program is entirely philanthropically funded and unfortunately, we are unable to provide housing. Please note housing in the Bay Area can be expensive. 

"I did not realize that this fellowship would be such an eye-opening moment for my career. Shadowing, clinical research, and mentorship from colleagues with experience in medicine were only part of what made this program outstanding."

"Not only are fellows able to shadow, they are able to interact with patients and families across the hospital. The Chariot Summer Fellowship is truly one of a kind."

"The Chariot Fellowship's interdisciplinary overlap between research, patient care, academia, innovation, and community is incredibly unique."

"The mentorship is very personal and the leaders are truly passionate about making sure you gain the most out of the experience."