Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology

Through support from the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) aims to increase the participation in biomedical fields, especially cancer research and medicine, by empowering high school students within VICC’s catchment area with experiences, activities, and discussions that introduce them to the incredible breadth of career and leadership opportunities in the field of oncology.

This program provides a virtual, multi-institutional experience for high school students interested in science and medicine. The program includes a series of virtual workshops, panels, and hands-on research activities, including science research kits that will be sent directly to the participants’ homes. Programming is delivered in part through a partnership with eCLOSE Institute.

About the Summer Experience Program

Participating Institutions

Huntsman Cancer Institute
Massey Cancer Center
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
The James (The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Benefits

Virtual, hands-on cancer research experience with laboratory kit sent to your home
Targeted career development and skill-building workshops with professionals from diverse sectors of cancer research and care
Network of peers and mentors across program sites
$500 stipend for participation

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior within the VICC catchment area
Must commit to 4 hours of virtual meetings Monday through Friday for two weeks in the summer during the specified dates
Students who are interested in scientific investigation and eager to learn will benefit most from the program.

Program Dates

2025 program dates are July 7 - July 18, 2025.

Admission

The deadline for applications is April 3, 2025 by 11:59 pm (CDT). VICC will accept 30 students from within our catchment area for the 2025 program. Interested students are asked to complete an application that includes a statement of interest and a recommendation letter from a science teacher. The 2025 application can be found at this link.