Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology
The Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology 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.
The Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology 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
The 2026 program takes place virtually over two weeks in mid-July from 8:30 a.m to 12:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Program dates will be posted as soon as they are available.
The online application will open the first week of March 2026 and then close in mid-April. Within the application portal, click “Community Login” to create an account and apply. The application includes an essay and two letters of recommendation.
Required orientation takes place in May (exact dates to be confirmed), with two dates emailed out to participants for scheduling flexibility. One orientation session is in person and the other is virtual. Students and parents are asked to chose one date to attend.
Students who participate in the virtual July program will have opportunities to meet with UT faculty, staff and students onsite and in person approximately every other month throughout the 2026-2027 school year. Activities and discussions include college readiness, health sciences and health care. Exact dates to be determined.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions about the program, email the Livestrong Cancer Institutes 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 Livestrong Cancer Institutes admin or call the office at 512-495-5400.
Please stay in touch so we can keep you updated on future educational opportunities.
Join the Livestrong Cancer Institutes Alumni Group on LinkedIn, email the Livestrong Cancer Institutes admin or call the office at 512-495-5400 to let us know how you are doing and how we can continue to support you.