Applying to the Research Program
Students who meet the program eligibility requirements and are interested in a career in scientific research should apply.
Paid internships are awarded to applicants who qualify based on funding source eligibility criteria.
Subsistence allowances are $4,200 for the seven-week program. Stipend levels are adjusted commensurate with available funding sources. Stipends may be used to cover costs incurred by participating students and include food, local transportation and other incidental costs.
No. We do not accept applications from students who are not juniors in high school. We will gladly accept your application when you enter your junior year. If have already completed your junior year, consider applying when you are a junior in college.
Yes. We require students to provide us with an official transcript from the school they attend. Applicants should refer to their respective program’s application page for instructions on having a transcript sent by their guidance counselor or school registrar.
No. The program is restricted to high school students residing within the Western New York region and within commuting distance to Roswell Park.
All applicants must complete their online application by January 31, 2023.
The program
The 2023 program for high school students starts on Monday, June 26 and ends on Friday, August 11, 2023.
Participating students will receive a formal orientation and on-boarding session. For the majority of the program, interns will learn real world application of the scientific method while working on their assigned research project in their mentor’s laboratory. The research experience will be supported by a curriculum of learning activities. These activities include seminars on pertinent cancer topics and professional development activities such as attendance at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center science retreat and visits to local life sciences companies.
You will be working in a Roswell Park research department alongside professional researchers, graduate students and laboratory technicians.
Yes. There are plenty of opportunities to meet and socialize with other students. These opportunities begin on the first day during orientation and continue through graduation.
You must be able to commit full time to our program. All students are required to attend each day of the program and are required to train for the full day. You will not be allowed to take time off during the work week for family vacations, college visits or other appointments.
Students are required to participate in the research experience Monday through Friday for seven weeks. Schedules are eight hours per day for a total of 40 hours per week.
No. The program is a short-term experience and students will not be allowed to take time off for vacation. In an emergency, students who need to take at most one to two days off will be required to make up that time during the program. These arrangements are not guaranteed. Any requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. Dress code requirements are meant to ensure safety in the laboratories. For research experiences, the dress code is long pants (no shorts, capris, or skirts), closed toe shoes (no sandals), and long hair secured in a ponytail. In addition, there are a few days when all interns will be required to wear business attire for formal presentations. This information will be provided in detail to interns accepted into the program.