Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology
Through support from the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) aims to increase the participation in biomedical fields, especially cancer research and medicine, by empowering high school students within VICC’s catchment area with experiences, activities, and discussions that introduce them to the incredible breadth of career and leadership opportunities in the field of oncology.
This program provides a virtual, multi-institutional experience for high school students interested in science and medicine. The program includes a series of virtual workshops, panels, and hands-on research activities, including science research kits that will be sent directly to the participants’ homes. Programming is delivered in part through a partnership with eCLOSE Institute.
About the Summer Experience Program
Participating Institutions
- Huntsman Cancer Institute
- Massey Cancer Center
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The James (The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center)
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Benefits
- Virtual, hands-on cancer research experience with laboratory kit sent to your home
- Targeted career development and skill-building workshops with professionals from diverse sectors of cancer research and care
- Network of peers and mentors across program sites
- $500 stipend for participation
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior within the VICC catchment area
- Must commit to 4 hours of virtual meetings Monday through Friday for two weeks in the summer during the specified dates
- Students who are interested in scientific investigation and eager to learn will benefit most from the program.
Program Dates
July 6, 2026, to July 17, 2026. Monday- Friday, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm CDT.
Admission
The application deadline for the summer 2026 program is January 5, 2026, by 11:59 PM (CST). Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center will accept 30 students for the 2026 program. Eligible and interested students are asked to complete an application that includes a statement of interest and a letter of recommendation from a science teacher. To apply, access the 2026 application here: https://redcap.link/SHE2026
Contact
For more information, please email SHE@vumc.org.
Information for Teachers
Click here to view an informational sheet for teachers and school staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
- “When will I learn if I have been accepted to the program?
- Emails will be sent out in May from SHE@vumc.org regarding admission decisions for the 2026 program.
- What counties are included in the VICC catchment area?
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center’s catchment area consists of the entire state of Tennessee, northern Alabama, and southern Kentucky. Please find VICC’s catchment area illustrated below:
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center’s catchment area consists of the entire state of Tennessee, northern Alabama, and southern Kentucky. Please find VICC’s catchment area illustrated below:
- I live outside the catchment area. Can I still apply?
- The SHE Program at Vanderbilt is specific to high school students within the VICC catchment area. Please find a comprehensive list of institutions across the country that offer the SHE program for which you may be eligible: https://www.cancer.org/research/acs-cancer-research-training/all-programs-chart/high-school-program/institutions-high-school.html
- I am not a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school. What other opportunities are available to me?
- For other educational opportunities at Vanderbilt, please click here: https://vicc.org/education
- I have a conflict with some of the program dates. Can I still apply?
- No, program participants are expected to attend all program dates for the duration of the 2-week program. Your application will not be eligible for review if you cannot attend all program dates.
- How will I know if my application is NOT complete?
- You will receive an email from SHE@vumc.org one week before the application deadline if your application is missing any pieces.
- Have more questions? Reach out to she@vumc.org.
Testimonials
Quotes from 2025 Participants
“The SHE Program had a powerful impact on me personally and professionally. It created a supportive environment where I felt heard, empowered, and pushed to grow. I developed leadership skills, learned how to advocate for myself and others, and connected with inspiring mentors and peers. I left the program feeling more prepared, focused, and motivated than ever before.”
“I think that this program has opened A lot of doors for me and opened up a big world of cancer and it has also gave me the opportunity to meet other people who also have interest of healthcare and helped me expand myself into a big picture.”
“It is the best program I have ever been a part of, and I am forever grateful for this opportunity!!”
“This program was so much fun! I learned so much over the past few weeks, got to do experiments I never would have thought of doing, and got to hear from amazing oncologists who inspire me to go into oncology someday. I'm so glad I got the chance to be a part of this amazing program!”
“I really enjoyed the SHE Cancer Ingram Vanderbilt program because it gave me the chance to explore science through hands on experiments and engaging activities. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that made me even more excited about science and healthcare.”
