At the University of Illinois Cancer Center, we cultivate a diverse future healthcare workforce by introducing high school and undergraduate students to cancer research. The Cancer Center, in collaboration with other University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) programs, provides biomedical and population health research experiences supporting students from underrepresented populations.
High School Programs
CHESS – Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars Program
The Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars (CHESS) program is an eight-week summer program that trains and mentors underrepresented minority high school students interested in careers focusing on cancer research and other health professions. CHESS is a collaboration between the University of Illinois Cancer Center and the UIC Urban Health Program.
For program updates such as the upcoming application cycle, please sign up for the Cancer Center mailing list.
Learn more about the CHESS Program.
ResearcHStart Program
The ResearcHStart program introduces high school students to cancer research and offers glimpses into the fields of biophysics, biochemistry, immunology and pharmacology. The program is a multi-institution collaboration between the University of Chicago, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University and Rush University.
Learn more about the ResearcHStart Program.
Undergraduate and Postbaccalaureate Programs
ChicagoCHEC – Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative Fellows Program
The Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative (ChicagoCHEC) Fellows program is a comprehensive summer learning experience for undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students that focuses on developing skills for careers in healthcare and social, behavioral, or biomedical research.
ChicagoCHEC serves students from Northeastern Illinois University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, the City Colleges of Chicago and other area community colleges who are planning to apply to graduate or medical school.
Learn more about ChicagoCHEC.
UI DICR – University of Illinois Diversity in Cancer Research
University of Illinois Diversity in Cancer Research (UI DICR) is a 10-week research-intensive immersion summer program for diverse undergraduate students pursuing careers in biomedical fields, cancer research and health professions. Students will participate in cancer research with a mentor and receive a stipend. Students also participate in cohort building, career development, and didactic lessons in the social determinants of health. Eligible applicants must be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors in STEM disciplines, not have a bachelor’s degree by the program’s end, and be available full-time during the summer.
Learn more about University of Illinois Diversity in Cancer Research (UI DICR).
U-EXCEL – Undergraduates Expanding in Cancer Education and Lab Experience Program
The Undergraduate Expanding in Cancer Education and Lab (U-EXCEL) experience at the University of Illinois Cancer Center offers students a unique, year-long opportunity (from Fall to Summer) to extend their research experience in a faculty lab. Participants receive monetary compensation for their work and increase their chances of presenting at conferences or publishing their research. To be eligible, applicants must have recently participated in previous research or enrichment programs, be eligible for payment, and belong to groups underrepresented in biomedicine, including certain racial or ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds as defined by the NIH. This program is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in biomedical research.
Learn more about Undergraduates Expanding in Cancer Education and Lab Experience (U-EXCEL).
B2B – UIC Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program
While students complete their undergraduate degree program, they will also participate as biomedical researchers on projects involving cancer biology and/or population health studies with a focus on healthcare disparities. Participating students will receive a monthly stipend. For inquiries about the program, please send emails to [email protected].
Learn more about Bridges to the Baccalaureate (B2B).
PBRC PREP – Portal to Biomedical Research Careers Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program
The Portal to Biomedical Research Careers Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PBRC PREP) is an NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)-supported program for recent and soon-to-be STEM baccalaureate graduates who intend to pursue a PhD program in biomedical sciences. The PBRC program supports the students financially, strengthens the undergraduate students’ research skills and laboratory experience, and prepares the student for GRE testing.
Learn more about Portal to Biomedical Research Careers Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program.