Programs

Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science)

The University of Chicago

Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer is a cancer research training program for high school and college students interested in careers in biomedicine. The program also welcomes secondary science educators. For two consecutive summers, participants work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at the university. Rigorous research training is complemented with a cancer-based summer lecture series, year-round career development and skill-building workshops, and a network of faculty and peer mentors dedicated to participants’ success. The program culminates in a research symposium to showcase participants’ work across basic, translational, clinical, and population-based areas of cancer research. Chicago EYES on Cancer is funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute in addition to generous donations. Programming is provided in part through a partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.

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Program Components

Primary Areas of Focus
  • Recruitment (i.e. increasing awareness of and/or stimulating interest in health profession careers and degree programs
  • Retention or completion of health professions degree programs (support for those currently enrolled)

Program Location

Settings: In-person

County: Cook County / Chicago, IL

In-person location: University of Chicago

Program Components
  • Academic support (e.g. tutoring, progress monitoring)
  • Mentoring (e.g. pairing with current health profession student)
  • Networking (with others who have similar health career interests)
  • Research experience (e.g. summer program)
    For two consecutive summers, participants work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at the university.

Program Information

Education Levels
Health Professions

Program Sustainability

Affiliated Organizations and Networks

National Cancer Institute Museum of Science and Industry-Chicago

Eligibility Criteria and How to Apply

Eligibility Criteria
  • Underrepresented racial and/or ethnic background
    Priority is given to applicants from groups underrepresented in biomedicine, encompassing all relevant social, behavioral as well as health sciences. Applications are encouraged from any individual with demonstrated commitment to increase the full participation of underrepresented groups in biomedicine
Required Application Documents

Contact Information

Megan Mekinda, PhD. Assistant Director for Cancer Education
Email: EYES@bsd.uchicago.edy

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