This 10-week summer program in Duarte (Los Angeles), California gives promising high school and college students with an interest in research and health science careers practical experience and helps them develop important skills for their futures. Students select their own research project according to their individual areas of interest. Instructors are world-renowned physicians and scientists who guide students in their research, while helping them develop their critical thinking skills. Weekly seminars allow students to present research findings to their peers, a good primer for what graduate and postdoctoral students do. There are workshops covering topics such as creating posters for research talks, biomedical ethics and other important subjects. Students interact with their peers and their research directors on a continual basis, fostering valuable relationships for the future. Summer program participants also receive a stipend of $4,000 for their work.

Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old and have completed high school courses in chemistry and biology. Applicants do not have to be local residents.

Note: This is not a Residential program; City of Hope does not provide housing or transportation. However, it does accept students from outside Los Angeles. Those students make their own housing and transportation arrangements.

Deadline: The deadline for receipt of applications and additional materials is March 1, 2009.