Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology
According to the National Science Board, women make up only 29% of the science and engineering workforce, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology reports that about a third of oncologists are women.
The Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology aims to change these trends by empowering Central Texas high school students — including those who identify as female — with experiences, activities and discussions that introduce them to the incredible breadth of career and leadership opportunities in the field of oncology.
SHE 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.
About the Program
Originally created and hosted by the Livestrong Cancer Institutes in 2019, SHE was deployed online in July 2021 — thanks to the support of the American Cancer Society. The virtual program is a two-week educational deep dive into research, clinical care and community support, as well as development of leadership skills and an honest ongoing discussion of the challenges unique to women in the fields of oncology and academic medicine.
Students are expected to complete orientation and training in advance of the program, participate in all discussions and activities, and work within teams to complete two different research projects during their two weeks in the virtual program. At the program’s conclusion, students present their projects to fellow program participants as well as faculty and staff across all participating cancer centers.
How to Participate
SHE in Oncology 2025 programming takes place virtually from July 14 to July 25, 8:30 a.m to 12:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Within the application portal, click “Community Login” to create an account and apply.
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 Austin faculty, staff and students onsite and in person approximately every other month throughout the 2024-2025 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 SHE, email the Livestrong Cancer Institutes admin.
The SHE 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.