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ACS Cancer Research High School Program

We provide institutional support for high school students to take part in a 2-week virtual summer program in cancer research. The program targets students interested in a future career in cancer research, a health profession, or a health-related science. 

2 teenage Black students using the microscope in the laboratory

The Cancer Research for High School Program is part of the American Cancer Society Center for Innovation in Cancer Research (CICR) Training. The goal is to increase the number of cancer researchers and care professionals in the future.

The Basics: Cancer Research High School Program 

To increase awareness of, and enthusiasm for, opportunities to work in cancer research for High School students who:

  • Are rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an interest in any STEM discipline or related field.
  • Will be at least 16 years old when the program starts 

Selected high school students spend 2 weeks during the summer engaging in cancer research with eCLOSE Institute and doing case studies to expand their breadth of cancer research knowledge and career opportunities.

Throughout the year, Cancer Research High School Program participants are given opportunities to engage in planned career-development and networking activities.

Students receive a $500 stipend.
No academic credit is awarded.
 
Each ACS-funded institution sets the criteria and process for student applications and their review. Using a selection committee, institutions may choose up to 20 program participants . 

ACS Grant Mechanism for High School Cancer Research Programs

The ACS CICR funding opportunity is awarded to eligible institutions to support implementation of introductory career training in cancer research and oncology care for high school students.

Institutional Grant Eligibility Criteria

Eligible nonprofit institutions may be academic institutions, cancer centers, or an equivalent nonprofit institution with academic affiliations.

To be eligible, institutions must have:

  • An established cancer research program
  • Experience with Pathways Programs
  • Held an ACS, NIH, or other national funder of institutional research or training grants
  • An accredited nonprofit degree-granting institution headquartered in the United States 

For full eligibility criteria, see: 

ACS CICR Training Policies

ACS CICR Training All Grant Instructions

For all questions: Email CancerResearchTraining@cancer.org