Winship Summer Scholars Research Program
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
A six-week internship pairing 10–12 high school seniors one-on-one with physician or lab-based cancer researchers, with faculty lectures, field trips, and a final research symposium.
Who should apply
A great fit for rising or graduating high school seniors interested in cancer research and oncology careers, including students at Title I high schools, prospective first-generation college students, and those underrepresented in STEM.
Eligibility
- Rising or graduating high school seniors
- At least 16 by June 8, 2026
- Current college students aren't eligible
- In-person track: U.S. citizen or permanent resident; international students may apply only for the virtual-only option
- Open to applicants from anywhere in the U.S.
- Welcomes Title I, prospective first-generation, and STEM-underrepresented students
- No on-campus housing provided; families arrange off-campus housing
What you get
- $2,400 stipend upon completion
- Six-week program (June 8 – July 17, 2026), full-time on-site Mon–Fri
- One-on-one mentorship with a Winship physician or lab researcher
- Hands-on laboratory research
- Faculty lectures, field trips, and cancer survivor roundtables
- Final research presentations at a symposium
What the application involves
- Two teacher recommendation letters (at least one from a STEM teacher; max three)
- Transcript (unofficial acceptable)
- Complete the full application before submitting, no updates allowed after submission
Application tips
- Line up your STEM teacher recommendation early and give recommenders plenty of notice.
- Because no edits are allowed after submission, proofread the entire application carefully.
- Emphasize curiosity about cancer biology; the program welcomes first-gen and Title I students, so connect your background to your goals.
Good to know
2026 cycle is closed; check back fall 2026 for the 2027 application.
Not eligible for this one? These are open anywhere in the U.S.
Being in the wrong state rules out a lot of programs and almost none of the good ones. Here are three you can apply to from anywhere, soonest deadline first.
Due December 1 · ~4 months
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Nemours Children's Health
A 10-week full-time paid summer research program for undergraduates at four Nemours pediatric sites in Delaware and Florida. Students work on clinical, laboratory, or translational research projects.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 12
Due in February · ~7 months
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Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
A biomedical research internship inspiring underrepresented students toward careers in neurological and behavioral sciences, with an in-person Baltimore track and a national virtual track.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grades 11–12
Due in February · ~7 months
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Simons Summer Research Program
Stony Brook University
A summer program where academically talented high school students join active science, math, or engineering research teams under faculty mentors and present at a closing poster symposium, receiving a stipend award.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 11
