Roswell Park Expands Educational Offerings With New Buffalo Public Schools, Buffalo Prep Collaborations

BUFFALO, N.Y. — When Dr. Roswell Park established the first center in the United States dedicated solely to the study of cancer, he enlisted some of the best and brightest minds from across the globe. Today, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center continues to be a world-class destination for scientists and oncologists — not only as a career home, but as a place to learn about cancer science and clinical practice. Through two new collaborative summer programs, the cancer center is now expanding its engagement with young learners.

Joining Roswell Park’s summertime educational offerings are new programs for high-school students attending Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) as well as middle-school learners participating in the Buffalo Prep program.

“We have been honored to host these young learners this summer. The work of developing future oncology researchers and physicians shouldn’t begin at the college level — we need to open students all over our community to the possibility of these careers as early as possible,” says Jamie Smith, EdD, MLS Chief Academic Officer and Associate Director of Education at Roswell Park. “These partnerships are a way to open doors for young people in our community, and hopefully ignite in many of them a passion to explore a career in some aspect of oncology.”

More about the new programs:

‘Our Story’ with Buffalo Public Schools:
Roswell Park is the latest site to participate in BPS’ office of Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives’ Our Story program, which is designed to give 9th-12th graders the chance to “see themselves in the curriculum” through immersive activities and leadership development opportunities. Using the book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, about 15 participating BPS students spent five weeks this summer embedded with Roswell Park experts to learn about cancer, research and medical ethics, health disparities and medical history. Supported also by staff from SUNY Buffalo State and Burchfield Penney Art Center, the scholars presented their learning through performance, artwork and more at a program celebration on August 11.

Summer Introduction Series with Buffalo Prep:
Buffalo Prep prepares underrepresented youth to achieve success in college-prep high schools and higher education. The new Summer Introduction Series at Roswell Park exposes high-performing students — starting in 5th grade — to careers in cancer care and the cancer sciences. As the students progress over the course of three years, they will learn from Roswell Park staff and graduate students. Their journey will culminate with a community health fair the students themselves will lead.

Roswell Park annually hosts nearly 2,000 learners of all ages, and plays an important role in educating the next generation of cancer experts through clinical residencies and graduate degree programs. For more on Roswell Park’s educational offerings, visit roswellpark.org/education.

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Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@RoswellPark.org.