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  1. Scientific Internships, Fellowships / Trainees and Non-U.S. Citizens

OCE Summer Scholars Program

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2018 OCE Summer Scholars

The FDA Oncology Center of Excellence Summer Scholars Program is designed to introduce high school students with an interest in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine) to the cancer drug development process and career opportunities in government, regulatory medicine, and cancer advocacy.

Program Dates: June 24 through August 2, 2024 (six weeks, full-time internship)

Hybrid Program Locations: Virtually through FDA Zoom three days/week. In person at FDA's White Oak Campus one day in the first week and one day in the sixth week of the program. Four field trips will meet at Metro-accessible locations in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area (for example, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Capitol, local cancer centers). Pre-paid Metro cards will be provided to students.

Eligibility

  • U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national, or legal permanent resident.
  • 16 years of age or older by April 15 of the current year.
  • Enrolled in high school junior or senior year as of January 1 of the current year.
  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale), although exceptions may be granted.
  • Students who have been diagnosed with cancer or who have a sibling or a parent with cancer will have preference.
  • The OCE values diversity and particularly encourages applications from individuals from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the cancer research workforce, for example those from the groups noted in the Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity (NOT-OD-20-031).
     

Application

The application package for the 2024 Summer Scholars program will be posted online on April 1, 2024, and will be due by May 15, 2024. There is no application fee and no fee for the program. 

Enrollment will be limited to approximately 30 students, primarily from the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area. 

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. Full-time attendance of 8 hours per day, M-Th, is expected. 

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:

 
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