Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology

• Hands-on cancer research experience with home laboratory kit
• 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 taxable stipend

• Full-time high school student at time of application
• Strong interest in a career in scientific research or medicine 
• Resident of Cook, Lake, Will or DuPage countries in Illinois or Lake Country in Indiana
• Able to commit to the full two-week program (weekdays only, 4 hours/day) 

Conflict of Interest Policy: The selection of applicants is managed by the Summer Health Experience in Oncology leadership team. Immediate family members of the leadership team and UChicago are ineligible for the program. All applications will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Policy.

Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology is a two-week, part-time program that typically runs the second half of July.

2026 Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology Cohort Dates

The 2026 Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology runs from July 13 – July 25, 2026 (weekdays only, 8:30 am-12 pm).

Please join us for a webinar on Thursday, October 23, 7-8 pm CT to learn more about our Pathway Programs, hear from alumni, and ask questions about the application process. Register here to attend: https://redcap.link/2026InfoSession

20 trainees are selected each year based on their demonstrated passion for science, interest in careers in biomedicine, and readiness to engage fully in virtual programming. To apply:

• Submit the online application form by 11:59 pm CT on Monday, March 2, 2026. The online application form is accessible here: https://redcap.link/2026UCCCCPathwayPrograms. New this year: We are using a common application for all our Pathway Programs. You may apply to all programs for which you are eligible using one application.
• Arrange for two individuals (at least one of whom must be a teacher/professor) to complete the online applicant recommendation form by 11:59 pm CT on Monday, March 2, 2026. Download an instruction sheet for recommenders here. Recommenders can access the online recommendation form here: https://redcap.link/PathwayProgram_Rec2026.
• Applicants who advance to the second round: Complete an in-person interview with the program leadership team, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Be prepared to enter the following information:

• Academic information (school name, location, year of study)
• Contact information
• Responses to the following questions (limit 250 words per response):
• Of the learning opportunities related to careers in science and medicine, why have you chosen to apply to our program(s)? For example, you might discuss how the program relates to your academic and career plans, the nature of your interest in cancer, or what you hope to gain from the experience.
• What qualities and experiences do you have that best prepare you for the scientific and professional demands of our program(s)?
• Scientific progress depends on an array of expertise and perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint, or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it shapes the way you would learn from and contribute to our research community.
• Is there anything else important for us to know about you?

APPLICATION DEADLINES

• March 2, 2026: Application and two recommendations due by 11:59PM
• April 4, 2026: On-campus admissions interviews
• April 13, 2026: Acceptance notification
• May 1, 2026: Commitment deadline