Program Description

Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), with funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), offers summer programs designed to provide college juniors an immersive research experience in the biomedical life sciences at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.

The program spans 10 weeks during the Summer between a participant's Junior and Senior year of College (First week of June to mid-August). During this time, participants work independently on an assigned research project under the supervision of an RPCI faculty researcher and alongside graduate students and post-doctoral trainees. To complement their research experience, participants attend scientific seminars and laboratory data meetings where they are informed of the latest trends and findings in cancer research. Participants conclude their Summer by presenting on their research results (oral & poster) at a concluding scientific conference.

Program Eligibility and Funding

Applications for the upcoming Summer Program are accepted from students who are currently enrolled in their junior year of college and have demonstrated an interest in a scientific career. College juniors from non-research universities who have had limited opportunities to participate in research, under-represented minority students and students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. 

Typically 20-25 college applicants are selected by research faculty to participate in the Summer Program annually.

National Cancer Institute - (15 fellowships)

• Current college junior
• Student career goals should focus on achieving a graduate or professional degree in the biomedical or natural sciences
• Selected participants receive a $3,500 stipend plus room.
• USA citizen or permanent residents only.

CURE - Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences - (5 fellowships)

• Current college Junior
• Student career goals should focus on achieving a graduate or professional degree in the biomedical or natural sciences.
• Selected participants receive a $3,500 stipend plus room.
• USA citizen or permanent residents only.
• Must be from an Under-represented Minority group (e.g. African American, Hispanic American, Native American Indian).

Apply Now for the March 1st Deadline

FAQ

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.

How many students are accepted into the program each year?

The acceptance rate of students into the Summer program depends on ability of our research staff to host students which includes providing adequate supervision and laboratory space.  On average 25-30 students are accepted each summer.

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 do students get from the dormitory to Roswell?
College students may bring their own cars, however, free parking on the RPCI campus is not available.  A parking pass can be obtained for the dorms. Metro bus and subway are available modes of transportation between the Canisius College dormitory and the RPCI campus. Monthly passes for the Metro and subway 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?
No. 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