CHESS
The Cancer Health Engagement Summer Scholars (CHESS) program trains and mentors high school students interested in careers focusing on cancer research and other health professions. The program seeks a cohort of students with varied backgrounds and experiences, including students whose parents or guardians did not attend college and students from under-resourced communities and households. CHESS is a collaboration between the University of Illinois Cancer Center and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Urban Health Program.
At a Glance
- 2027 Program Dates: June 14 - Aug. 6
- Program Length: 8 weeks, 40 hours per week, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Daily Schedule: Boot camp week + mentored research (See a sample summer schedule)
- Stipend: $4,000 (for successful completion of the program)
- Application Opens: Oct. 14, 2026
- Application Deadline: Monday, Jan. 11, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Resident of Cook County
- Interests in healthcare or biomedical fields
- Able to commit to 8 full weeks of programming, 40 hours per week on campus
- High school students currently in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grades. You must be 16 years old on or before December 1, 2026.
In the program, students gain hands-on research experience working in a UIC faculty lab on an independent project. At the end of the summer, students present their work during the Cancer Center’s student research symposium. Students will also attend workshops, lectures, and other activities focused on building research, professional and academic skills.
CHESS provides research experiences across a broad spectrum of cancer research disciplines, including molecular biology, pharmacology, and biostatistics. Student interests are taken into account during the mentor matching process, although specific placements cannot be guaranteed.
Before Starting the Application
- Identify one education professional (e.g., teacher or school administrator) who knows your strengths in a specific and unique way to submit the CHESS Recommendation Form. Ask them if they are willing to provide a recommendation before you enter their name in the application.
- Ask your school counselor for a PDF copy of your transcripts.
- Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but must include
- Your name and the school name
- All grades through first quarter Fall 2026
- Your unweighted GPA
- Don't take screenshots of your Student Information System (SIS) because the online grade portal is not a transcript.
Save and Return Instructions (Please Read Carefully)
- Click "Save and Return Later" before leaving the application.
- Save your return code by writing it down or taking a screenshot.
- Once you enter, a new window will open
- Enter your email address by #2 to receive the survey link
- Your session will time out after a period of inactivity.
- Lost your return code? Email crtec@uic.edu for assistance.
Important: Many applicants accidentally start a new application because they do not save their return code. Please save your return code before leaving the application. Following instructions carefully is an important part of the CHESS application process.
Personal Short Response Essays
The application contains three Personal Short Response Essays. We recommend drafting your essays in a word processor (such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs) and then copying and pasting your final responses into the application. This approach allows you to review your work, check your word count, and proofread before submission.
Note About AI Use
Do not use AI to generate your essays. We read these essays to get to know you beyond your grades, activities, and accomplishments. Please use your own voice and draw from your own experiences, observations, and reflections. The strongest essays are thoughtful, specific, and personal. They do not need to be perfect or highly polished. We are interested in hearing about your experiences, interests, and aspirations in a way that feels authentic to you.
Questions?
Please email crtec@uic.edu.
