Winship Summer Scholars Research Program
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
A six-week internship pairing 10–12 high school seniors one-on-one with physician or lab-based cancer researchers, with faculty lectures, field trips, and a final research symposium.
Who should apply
A great fit for rising or graduating high school seniors interested in cancer research and oncology careers, including students at Title I high schools, prospective first-generation college students, and those underrepresented in STEM.
Eligibility
- Rising or graduating high school seniors
- At least 16 by June 8, 2026
- Current college students aren't eligible
- In-person track: U.S. citizen or permanent resident; international students may apply only for the virtual-only option
- Open to applicants from anywhere in the U.S.
- Welcomes Title I, prospective first-generation, and STEM-underrepresented students
- No on-campus housing provided; families arrange off-campus housing
What you get
- $2,400 stipend upon completion
- Six-week program (June 8 – July 17, 2026), full-time on-site Mon–Fri
- One-on-one mentorship with a Winship physician or lab researcher
- Hands-on laboratory research
- Faculty lectures, field trips, and cancer survivor roundtables
- Final research presentations at a symposium
What the application involves
- Two teacher recommendation letters (at least one from a STEM teacher; max three)
- Transcript (unofficial acceptable)
- Complete the full application before submitting, no updates allowed after submission
Application tips
- Line up your STEM teacher recommendation early and give recommenders plenty of notice.
- Because no edits are allowed after submission, proofread the entire application carefully.
- Emphasize curiosity about cancer biology; the program welcomes first-gen and Title I students, so connect your background to your goals.
Good to know
2026 cycle is closed; check back fall 2026 for the 2027 application.
Not eligible for this one? These are open anywhere in the U.S.
Being in the wrong state rules out a lot of programs and almost none of the good ones. Here are three you can apply to from anywhere, soonest deadline first.
Due in 19 days
Nemours Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Nemours Children's Health
A 10-week full-time paid summer research program for undergraduates at four Nemours pediatric sites in Delaware and Florida. Students work on clinical, laboratory, or translational research projects.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 12
Wilmington, DE and Jacksonville, Orlando, and Pensacola, FLResearchPaidDue in February · ~4 months
Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
A biomedical research internship inspiring underrepresented students toward careers in neurological and behavioral sciences, with an in-person Baltimore track and a national virtual track.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grades 11–12
Baltimore, MD (in-person) / Virtual (national)ResearchPaidDue in February · ~4 months
Simons Summer Research Program
Stony Brook University
A summer program where academically talented high school students join active science, math, or engineering research teams under faculty mentors and present at a closing poster symposium, receiving a stipend award.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 11
Stony Brook, NYResearchPaid

