High School, Undergraduate and Postbaccalaureate Students
At the University of Illinois Cancer Center, we cultivate a future healthcare workforce by introducing high school, undergraduate, and post-baccalaureate students to cancer research. The Cancer Center, in collaboration with other University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) programs, provides biomedical and population health research experiences to groups of students. Click here to see a sample summer schedule for the high school and undergraduate programs.
High School Programs
CHESS – Cancer Health Engagement Summer Scholars Program
The Cancer Health Engagement Summer Scholars (CHESS) program is an eight-week summer program that trains and mentors 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.
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 at UIC, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University and Rush University.
Important Program Information
ResearcHStart and CHESS share the same summer curriculum and schedule, but they are distinct programs with different eligibility criteria and administrative structures.
- ResearcHStart is a multi‑institutional program administered by the University of Chicago. The University of Illinois Cancer Center, which is part of UIC, participates as one of several satellite research sites. Please note that UIC and the University of Chicago are different institutions.
- CHESS is a separate program located exclusively at UIC.
Because ResearcHStart is not a UIC‑only program, applicants who wish to be placed at UIC must rank UIC as their first-choice site on the ResearcHStart application.
Students who are eligible for both programs may apply to both CHESS and ResearcHStart. Please review the eligibility criteria for the programs.
Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate Cancer Research Exploration and Training Experience (U-CREATE)
Undergraduate Cancer Research Exploration and Training Experience (U-CREATE) is a 10-week, research-intensive summer immersion program for undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical science, cancer research, and health professions. Participants engage in mentored cancer research and take part in cohort-building experiences, career and professional development, and didactic sessions that explore social determinants of health and their impact on cancer and health outcomes. Following the summer experience, participants continue their engagement during the academic year through two virtual professional development activities designed to support their academic and career growth. Applications are due Sunday, Jan. 17, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
Undergraduates Expanding in Cancer Education and Lab Experience Program (U-EXCEL)
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 and be eligible for payment. Applications are not open at this time. To be notified when applications open, please sign up for our Training Program Mailing List.
Post-Baccalaureate Programs
Advancing Urban Students in Medicine (AUSM) Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program
The Advancing Urban Students in Medicine (AUSM) Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program is a two-year, cancer-focused research training program at the University of Illinois Cancer Center, funded by the American Cancer Society (ACS) Center for Innovation in Cancer Research Training (CICRT). AUSM prepares post-baccalaureate scholars from varied backgrounds for competitive graduate and professional programs and for careers in cancer research. The program offers a $35,000 annual stipend, as well as other supports. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all available spots are filled, with a final application deadline of Monday, January 4, 2027. Early application is encouraged, as the program may reach capacity before the deadline.
Questions?
Please email crtec@uic.edu.
