The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.
The American Cancer Society dedicates more money to cancer research than any other private, not for profit, non-government funder of cancer research in the United States. Nationally, the American Cancer Society has invested more than $3.1 billion in cancer research since the program began in 1946. This program has led to primary contributions in cancer diagnosis and treatment as well as support for the research of 42 Nobel Prize winners before they became Nobel Laureates, the highest accolade of scientific achievement.
SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAM
The American Cancer Society, Illinois Division offers an integrated Summer Research Program designed for high school students in their junior year (Class of 2010). The major objective of the program is to introduce students to scientific research, specifically, cancer research, to promote career opportunities in the area of cancer, through a program supervised by the American Cancer Society, Illinois Division’s Research Advisory Committee. This program will help students develop their own philosophy in biophysics, biochemistry, immunology, and pharmacology, as well as gain an understanding of cancer and its impact on Illinois residents.
Selection for the program is based upon the student’s interests, as expressed in an essay, academic record, two letters of recommendation (at least one letter of recommendation must be from a teacher). Students will work in a cancer research laboratory under the supervision of an established investigator at prestigious academic institutions such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois, Loyola University and Southern Illinois University. The program will run for eight weeks. Each student will be expected to work on an independent, limited and achievable research project for four days a week. The fifth day will be spent attending various lectures, and presenting updates on their projects. At the conclusion of the program, students will be required to present a final report of their assigned project. In addition, students may be required to attend and present their research results at various American Cancer Society volunteer meetings. Selected participants will receive a $2,000 stipend.
ELIGIBILITY
- Current Junior standing (member of the Class of 2010)
- Demonstrates strong ability in math and science
- Interested in pursuing a career in science or medicine
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in core subjects
- A citizen of the United States or a permanent resident
- Outstanding attendance record
The American Cancer Society is committed to nurturing the potential
and interests of future scientific and medical leaders. The American Cancer Society recognizes that cancer affects individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic factors. The American Cancer Society seeks students who represent the diverse communities of Illinois, respecting that such diversity includes race and ethnicity, gender, socio-economics, geography and many other factors.
Complete applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2009. Any applications postmarked after March 31, 2009 will not be accepted.
Please Send Applications to:
American Cancer Society, Illinois Division
c/o Summer High School Research Program
225 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60601
For more information please direct any questions to Tyharrie Hill at 312-279-7392 or email: ilhsprogram@cancer.org
Conflict of Interest: The selection of students is managed by an independent review panel. Immediate family members of individuals on the independent review panel are not eligible for the Summer High School Research Program. Immediate family members of staff are not eligible for the Summer High School Research Program. All other applications will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Policy.
