Education & Training For High School Students For Graduate Students Oncology Summer Internship (OSI) For Faculty Cancer Clinical Trial Bootcamp Mentorship, Education & Training Program For Undergraduate Students CURE-Cancer Trainee Membership Travel Awards CURE-Cancer Home For Undergraduate Students CURE-Cancer Applications Now Open Deadline: March 17, 2025 APPLY NOW Discover. Develop. CURE-Cancer. Supported by the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) grant, the year-long (June 2025 – May 2026) Cultivating Undergraduate Research Excellence in Cancer (CURE-Cancer) equips undergraduates across Orange County with critical research skills and professional development to succeed in cancer research careers. The program begins with a paid 10-week mentored research experience (in basic, clinical, or population sciences) during the summer (June 16 – August 22, 2025), followed by ongoing mentorship support and activities throughout the academic year. Individuals who come from or have an interest in serving underrepresented or disadvantaged populations in cancer research are especially encouraged to apply. Program Details and Requirements Application Timeline: Applications Open: February 3, 2025 Information Sessions: February 12, 2025 & February 24, 2025 Application Deadline: March 17, 2025 Interviews: March - April 2025 Notifications: April 28, 2025 Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an interest in any STEM discipline currently enrolled at a community college, college or university in and around Orange County A cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above Availability to participant full-time in the mentored summer research program (June 16 – August 22, 2025) without concurrent enrollment in summer courses Must not receive a bachelor's degree before the program concludes Must commit to participating in both in-person and remote activities throughout the program Program Dates: Lab Tours (in-person): May 2025 Start Date & Orientation: June 16, 2025 Mentored Summer Research Experience (in-person): June 16 - August 22, 2025 Career Excellence (CareerX) Meetings (Zoom option): June 2025, August 2025, November 2025, February 2026, April 2026 UCI Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge (in-person): October 11, 2025 Closing Dinner (in-person): May 2026 Funding Support Participants will receive $16.50 per hour for up to 35 hours per week during the full-time mentored summer research program, scheduled from June 16 to August 22, 2025. Information Sessions Join us for an information session on the CURE-Cancer program, where we’ll provide an overview of the program and application process and answer your questions. February 12, 2025 Zoom | 12:00 - 1:00 PM Register Today February 24, 2025 Zoom | 12:00 - 1:00 PM Register Today Program Highlights Hands-on Mentored Summer Research Experience Participants will be matched with a mentor aligned with their research interests for a 10-week research experience. Success in cancer research depends on a supportive team, and weekly mentor meetings will provide guidance, address challenges, and support skill development. Clinical Shadowing Opportunities Participants will have the chance to shadow oncology professionals alongside first-year medical students, gaining insight into the Orange County healthcare landscape, interacting with patients, and seeing science translated from "bench to bedside." Engaging Workshops, Symposiums, and More Participants will participate in engaging workshops and lectures to supplement their development. To conclude their 10-week research experience, participants will present a scientific poster at the CURE-Cancer Symposium, showcasing their work to peers and professionals in the field. IDPs and CareerX Meetings In collaboration with their mentor(s) and support staff, participants will complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to set short- and long-term objectives and participate in quarterly Career Excellence (CareerX) team meetings to ensure progress. Guided Tours of Cutting-Edge Cancer Center Facilities Guided tours of the Cancer Center and Ambulatory Care Building, featuring patient-centered radiation oncology therapies and advanced imaging services, will showcase cutting-edge facilities and offer opportunities to engage with clinical staff and patients. Networking and Social Events Participants will actively network and connect with their peers, support staff, cancer researchers, oncology medical professionals, and members of the Orange County community who are committed to reducing the burden of cancer for all. FAQs Do I have to be an undergraduate student enrolled at UC Irvine? No, undergraduate students from community colleges, colleges, and universities in and around Orange Country are welcome to apply! Please review the eligibility criteria for additional information. Why should I apply? Benefits of participating in CURE-Cancer: Cancer Research Experience: Gain hands-on experience in basic, clinical, or population cancer research, building essential skills for future careers. Professional Development: Develop a personalized Individual Development Plan (IDP) with UC Irvine faculty and participate in Career Excellence (CareerX) meetings to guide your career in oncology. Training and Networking Opportunities: Engage in translational research, clinical shadowing, and facility tours while building connections with mentors and peers. Career Pathway Insights: Clarify career goals in STEM and oncology through seminars, symposiums, and exposure to diverse research areas. Exploration of Regional Cancer Care: Learn about cancer care challenges and solutions by engaging with Orange County partners, providers, and patients. Where will program activities take place? The mentored summer research experience will take place at UC Irvine’s main campus in Irvine, CA. Clinical shadowing and facility tours will take place at the UCI Medical Center (Orange, CA) and the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Ambulatory Care building (Irvine, CA). Remote activities will take place on Zoom. All locations will be communicated in advance. Am I qualified to apply? If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a strong interest in cancer research, you are qualified. Individuals who come from or have an interest in serving underrepresented or disadvantaged populations in cancer research are especially encouraged to apply. What if I'm unavailable for all 10 weeks of the Mentored Summer Research Experience? Due to the short duration of this immersive program, full availability and participation in all activities is required. However, you are welcome to contact us to discuss your situation. How will I be matched with a faculty mentor/placed in a laboratory? As part of the application process, you will be asked about your cancer research interests and career goals. Following the initial application review, selected candidates will be invited to interview with UC Irvine faculty to discuss these interests and receive recommendations for potential mentors and labs. Candidates will then have the chance to tour their top two lab choices before finalizing their selection for the 10-week mentored summer research experience. Who do I contact for questions? Please email the Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination (CRTEC) team at cfcccadmin@hs.uci.edu.