OCE Summer Scholars Program
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The FDA Oncology Center of Excellence Summer Scholars Program is designed to introduce high school students with an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) to the cancer drug development process and career opportunities in government, regulatory medicine, and cancer advocacy.
Program Dates: June 26 through August 4, 2023
Program Location: Virtually through FDA Zoom
Eligibility
- U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national, or legal permanent resident.
- 16 years of age or older by April 15 of the current year.
- Currently enrolled in high school junior or senior year.
- Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale), although exceptions may be granted.
Applicants must also meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Come from a group of persons underrepresented in science and engineering (S&E). Women, persons with disabilities, and three racial and ethnic groups—blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and American Indians or Alaska Natives—are underrepresented in S&E. That means their representation in S&E education and S&E employment is smaller than their representation in the U.S. population (Source: National Science Foundation).
- Have been diagnosed with cancer or be a sibling or a child of a cancer survivor.
Application Package Due April 15
All sections of the Application Package must be completed and signed by the student and/or parent/guardian and sent as attachments by email to FDAOncology@fda.hhs.gov by April 15.
Do not send links to Google documents or other cloud sharing platforms.
The Application Package includes:
- One-page Personal Statement describing why the student would like to participate in the program, how they became interested in oncology or drug development, and how they are eligible for the program.
- Student resume or CV containing at least the student’s date of birth, U.S. citizenship status, name of high school, GPA, email address, home address, and phone number.
- FDA Student Volunteer Program Agreement
- Confidential Information Form for Students
- Photo-Video Release
Program Curriculum
The OCE Summer Scholars Program offers students exposure to the drug development pathway, including:
- Comprehensive introduction to the cancer drug development process, including pre-clinical research, clinical trials, drug manufacturing, FDA review, and drug marketing and utilization.
- Discussions with pivotal stakeholders and advocacy groups.
- Introduction to principles of translational and clinical research.
- Introduction to clinical data analysis.
- Communications techniques for future scientists and health professionals.
- Student presentation on a topic of interest.
- Discussions with FDA employee mentors.
Volunteer Program
All students will be enrolled through FDA’s Summer Volunteer Student Program, an unpaid position.
District of Columbia Public Schools students have the opportunity for compensation through the DCPS Career-Ready Internship Program.
Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools students can enroll in the MCPS Summer RISE program to earn a stipend.
Additional Information: