A statewide investment in student talent and long-term workforce development continues to show measurable impact across Texas.
The Texas Health Education Service (TXHES), in collaboration with the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) Council and its statewide partners, has announced the selection of the Entry Year 2026 (EY 26) JAMP cohort: 100 high-performing undergraduate students preparing to enter the state’s physician pipeline through a structured, multi-year support program.
The announcement reflects the continued role JAMP plays in supporting a coordinated, statewide approach to physician pathway development.
This year, JAMP received a record 448 applications from across the state. From that pool, 100 students were selected based on academic performance, readiness for medical education, and alignment with program criteria. Selected scholars earned average GPAs approaching 3.9, reflecting strong academic preparation and readiness for the rigor of medical education.
JAMP is designed to identify academically strong students and provide the structured support needed to ensure continued progression toward medical school.
The EY 26 cohort represents 37 undergraduate institutions across Texas, including 20 public and 17 private universities, spanning rural and urban communities and regions where physician shortages remain critical.
The cohort also reflects key dimensions of representation within Texas’ future physician pipeline, with approximately 70% of selected scholars identifying as female and 30% identifying as male, and a majority (52%) identifying as first-generation college students.
For many students, selection into JAMP represents a pivotal step in their pathway to medicine.
“This program represents a life-changing step toward my commitment to becoming a physician, and I do not take this opportunity lightly,” said Juan Rodriguez, a student at the University of Houston.
Through a coordinated, structured pathway, JAMP provides academic enrichment, financial support, mentorship, and early clinical exposure. The program is designed to support student development while maintaining clear expectations across each stage of participation.
JAMP’s continued impact is supported through the longstanding partnership of the Texas Legislature, the JAMP Council, and participating institutions across the state.
“We are deeply grateful to the Texas Legislature for making these opportunities possible,” said Dr. Matthew Meeks, Executive Director of TXHES. “Their continued support allows us to directly serve Texas students and communities by ensuring that access does not limit opportunity—and that talented students are given the pathway to achieve their full potential.”
In addition to the 100 selected scholars, JAMP also named 25 alternate participants. These students will actively engage in mentorship with their JAMP Faculty Directors, Medical School Coordinators, and JAMP Administration. For EY 26, alternates will also receive access to MCAT preparation resources, helping them remain prepared should a position become available.
This approach supports JAMP’s goal of maintaining a full cohort while making the most of available training opportunities across its medical school partners.
As EY 26 scholars move forward in the program, they will participate in structured summer internships at Texas medical schools, receive MCAT preparation, and engage in longitudinal mentorship designed to support persistence through their matriculation into medical school.
Students also described the selection as both affirming and motivating as they continue their academic journeys.
“I am absolutely thrilled… and excited to see where the program takes me,” said Mandel Ghanriz of Southern Methodist University.
The EY 26 cohort reflects continued momentum for JAMP as a statewide pathway supporting future physicians in Texas. As these students continue through the program, they represent both individual achievement and a broader investment in the state’s long-term healthcare workforce.
Through continued statewide collaboration and investment, JAMP remains an important
part of Texas’ effort to strengthen its physician workforce pipeline.
About the author: The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) is a special program created by the Texas Legislature to support and encourage highly qualified, economically disadvantaged Texas resident students pursuing a medical education.
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