Pathways to Cancer Research
Fred Hutch received five years of funding from the National Cancer Institute for new education and training programs for teachers, high school students, and undergraduates. This builds on our long-standing efforts and institutional commitment to support the development of a more diverse next generation of biomedical scientists.
The new program, Pathways to Cancer Research, began accepting participants in 2018 for the programs described below. We encourage potential applicants to check back frequently for more details, application instructions, and deadlines. These programs are specifically designed for students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science as defined by the National Institutes of Health
Publications
Lalish KM, Stromholt S, Curtis N, Chowning JT. Explorers Virtual Internship: Fostering Rightful Presence and Sense of Belonging in an Online High School Internship Program. J STEM Outreach. 2021;4(2). doi: 10.15695/jstem/v4i2.07. Epub 2021 Jul 19. PubMed PMID: 34485852; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8415770.
Programs
Hutch Teacher Fellowship
The fellowship provides a two-year professional development research experience for secondary science teachers. Participants will develop cancer-focused curricular materials in collaboration with Hutch scientists and other Fellows and test and revise materials on site with Pathways students (see below) as well as in their own classrooms. Stipend provided.
Check out the Blog Posts from our previous cohorts!
- Program dates: Participantion in the program, centers on eight-weeks of full-time research training and curriculum design activities on the main Fred Hutch campus during the summer, with school year follow-up. This is a two year follow-up.
- Application information: The application period opens in January and closes in mid-March each year. Applicants will complete an online form, provide answers to a series of short-response questions, and submit two academic or professional recommendations.
- Related Fred Hutch Programs: Summer High School Internship Program, Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
Pathways Research Explorers
Explorers is a two-week full-time immersion program for rising 10th and 11th graders. This program introduces students to cancer research and careers with hands-on laboratory activities in our training lab, group discussions with experts, and a culminating project. Participant support costs provided.
Check out the Blog Posts from our previous cohorts!
- Eligibility requirements: Must be a rising high school 10thor 11th grader with housing and a local guardian within daily transit distance of the main Fred Hutch campus.
- Program dates: Two separate 2-week sessions during August.
- Application information: Applications open February 1 and close March 31.
- Related Fred Hutch Program(s): Summer High School Internship Program (rising 12th graders).
Pathways Undergraduate Researchers
Pathways Undergraduate Researchers is an individualized, mentored, summer internship program for rising first-, second-, and third-year college students. The program aims to prepare students for upper-level undergraduate research training programs. In addition to mentored research, selected interns participate in a cancer biology education series, as well as professional development workshops and social activities. Stipend provided.
- Eligibility requirements: Must be a rising 1st, 2nd , or 3rd year college student.
- Program dates: Selected interns participate in the program, which centers on nine-weeks of full-time research training on the main Fred Hutch campus during the summer. Required on campus dates for 2019 are June 24-August 23.
- Application information: The application period opens on December 1 and closes on January 31. Applicants will complete an online form, provide answers to a series of short-response questions, and submit school transcripts and two academic or professional recommendations.
- Related Fred Hutch Programs: Summer High School Internship Program, Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
New Pilot Program Summer 2021!
Coding for Cancer
Computational skills are increasingly important in nearly all fields of biomedical research at the Hutch and beyong. Coding for Cancer connects students with computational biologists, teaches hands-on skills, and how the opportunity to give feedback that will influence the future of the program. No prior coding experience is necessary. Selected participants will receive a stipend.
This program is a collaboration among science education staff and scientists who are active computational biology researchers.
Students should:
- Be entering 11th or 12 grade in the fall.
- Perferably live in Washington state.
- Be available for all of the program dates.
- Apply if they have no coding experience.
If the programs above do not fit your eligibility, please visit Internships. It includes links to all other programs that the Hutch offers, as well as this catalog of cancer research opportunities at other institutions.
Pathways to Cancer Research is funded by a Youth Enjoy Science (YES) grant from the National Cancer Institute (grant number R25CA221770). Pathways to Cancer Research materials are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NCI or NIH.
Explore Cancer Related Careers
The Frontiers in Cancer Research - Career Profiles Website has been developed as a tool for high school students to accompany the Frontiers in Cancer Research curriculum units. The site features profiles of real professionals working in fields related to cancer research, cancer treatment, and patient care. These people work across many disciplines of science, social sciences, medicine, and healthcare. Their stories represent a variety of career and educational pathways, diverse backgrounds, and various career stages. The featured professionals work for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, the University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital, and other organizations based in Washington State. Some work with adult patients, others work with pediatric patients and their families. For many of the featured professionals, their work is related to leukemia and other blood cancers and the topics featured in these curriculum units. Students can explore the profiles on the site, read a variety of career stories, and access links to external resources. In addition, a Becoming the Next Cancer Researcher or Clinician section provides college and career information for students planning for a career in STEM, healthcare, or medicine. Teachers can use the Supplementary Info: College & Career Connections document to plan how to incorporate the study of careers in the science classroom. (Note that this site is currently in development; more profiles are being added each month).
