Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center CURE Program
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center
A full-time, hands-on summer experience in a cancer research environment, with scientific and professional development seminars and journal clubs alongside working researchers.
Who should apply
A great fit for Massachusetts high school and early-college students (16+) interested in cancer research who can travel to Boston's Longwood Medical Area five days a week for a paid summer research internship.
Eligibility
- High school sophomore, junior, or senior, or a college freshman, sophomore, or junior
- At least 16 years old at the start of the program
- Reside in and/or attend school in Massachusetts
- Able to travel to the Longwood Medical Area in Boston five days a week
What you get
- Full-time, paid summer research internship of 7–11 weeks
- Hands-on cancer research with mentorship from leading scientists
- Summer stipend (amount not specified)
- Scientific skills training, seminars, and journal clubs
- Research presentations, conference attendance, and networking events
What the application involves
- Completed application form
- Copy of transcript or report card from your most current school and year
- Current résumé
- Two letters of recommendation (max three; one must be from a science or mathematics teacher/professor)
Application tips
- Secure your science/math recommendation early, at least one letter must come from that subject area.
- Tailor your résumé to highlight science coursework, projects, or relevant activities.
- Confirm you can travel to Longwood five days a week for the full 7–11 week program.
- Submit a clean, current transcript and complete every component before the deadline.
- Express specific interest in cancer research and what you hope to learn.
Good to know
CURE (Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences) is run by Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. 2026 applications were due February 6, 2026. Contact: iecd@partners.org.
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