Program Description

Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) offers summer research experiences to students at different levels of their academic development. The high school program provides students the opportunity to conduct research and experience the life-style of a researcher at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.

Each student spends seven weeks (Last week of June to mid-August) working full-time on an independent research project under the supervision of a of RPCI scientific staff member and alongside graduate students and post-doctoral trainees. The program concludes with a scientific conference at which students present a scientific poster on their research project.  The experience gained by this program proves invaluable for enabling them to make decisions about undergraduate majors and specializations in the life sciences.

Program Eligibility

Applications for the upcoming Summer Program are accepted from high school students who are currently in their Junior year of high school. During a typical year 25 students are selected from a pool of applicants by faculty members at Roswell Park.

Apply Now for the March 1 Deadline

Clicking here will take you to the  application page.

FAQs

Can I start later or leave earlier than the official starting or ending date of the program?
All applicants are required to attend every single day of the program. This means no starting late or leaving early because of other activities. Applicants are not allowed to take time off during the work week for family vacations or college visits. You must be able to commit full-time to our program.

Who should apply?

Students who are  in their Junior year at the time of application.

Are scholarships or funding available for high school students?
We have limited funding available from our CURE grant for under-represented minorities (African American, Hispanic American and Native American) to help with expenses.

Is there lodging for out-of-town students?

Students who live further than commuting distance from the Institute are required to stay with family who live in the area or in the Canisius College Dormitory.

How much will my room and board cost?
The dormitory room costs vary from year-to-year, most recently it cost $20 per day for 7 weeks. We recommend consulting the Canisius College Residence Life for more information.  It is estimated that it will cost the average student around $100 per week for meals. There is no cafeteria at the college. However, the RPCI cafeteria is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many students prepare their own meals.

How do students get from the dormitory to Roswell?
Metro bus and subway are available modes of transportation. Monthly passes are available for purchase once students arrive at the campus.

Are social activities planned for dormitory students during off-hours and weekends?
There are social activities planned for students during both evening hours and weekends. Participants will receive a program schedule that lists these activities. Students are also allowed to schedule their own group activities when no formal group activities are planned.

How many hours per day/week will I be required to work?
Students are required to work Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day for a total of 40 hours per week.

If I live in the dormitory, would I be able to go home for the weekends?
Yes, with permission of your parent or guardian. However, students are not allowed to leave early on Fridays or return late on Mondays to accommodate their weekend plans unless granted permission by the Summer Program Office.

What if I have planned a family vacation ahead of time-can I take time off from the program?

No. Since the program is a short-term experience, students will not be allowed to take time for vacation.  Under extreme circumstances, students who need to take at most 1-2 days off will be required to make up that time during the program. These are handled on a case-by-case basis.

I am not a junior. Can I still apply?
We do not accept applications from students who are not juniors in either high school or college. You will have to wait until you enter your junior year to apply.

Does the transcript required as part of the application have to be official?
Yes. We require students to provide us with an “official” transcript from the school they attend.

Program Contact

Adam Kisailus-Program Director
Department of Educational Affairs
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Buffalo, NY 14263
(716)845-8134