Healthcare Experience in Research and Oncology
The Healthcare Experience in Research and Oncology (HERO) program at The University of Texas at Austin aims to empower Central Texas high school students with experiences, activities and discussions that introduce them to the incredible breadth of career and leadership opportunities in the field of oncology.
About the program
Each summer, 20 Central Texas high school students participate in a virtual cohort of 100 high school students from across the nation in a program hosted by UT, University of Michigan, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania and University of Kentucky.
This multiinstitutional online experience is one of a kind and allows students to learn about cancer research and clinical care from experts nationwide. Students across all sites are asked to work collaboratively on two different research projects. Students are shipped a lab kit, which includes a microscope, micropipettes and live fruit flies, in order to conduct lab based research in the first week of the program.
HERO is funded by a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Additional funding is provided by the American Cancer Society. Programming is delivered in part through a partnership with the eCLOSE Institute.
How to participate
Applications for 2026-2027 are now closed. Applications for 2027-2028 will open the first week of March 2027.
Frequently asked questions
If you have additional questions about the program, email the team.
The program is open to rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who live in Central Texas (within 50 miles of Austin). Student applicants who are first-generation, of low socioeconomic status, from a background underserved in the biosciences or oncology, or from a Title I school are given priority. The program offers 20 spots each summer.
All participating students will receive direct communication from our program coordinators. For general questions, email the team or call the office at 512-495-5400.
Please stay in touch so we can keep you updated on future educational opportunities.
Join the alumni group on LinkedIn, email the team or call the office at 512-495-5400 to let us know how you are doing and how we can continue to support you.