Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences Summer Only Program (CURE-SO)

The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences Summer Only Program (CURE-SO) is a paid summer cancer research internship run by the Harvard Cancer Consortium in Boston, Massachusetts, for high school and college students. Each intern is paired with a mentor at a consortium institution, such as Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital or Massachusetts General Hospital, for a full-time, hands-on research project in areas from basic and clinical science to bioinformatics and population health. Interns also attend an orientation, weekly research seminars, journal clubs, career networking roundtables and social events, including a team-building day at Hale Reservation. At the end of the summer, each intern writes an abstract and presents the work at a final presentation event. The internship lasts 7 to 11 weeks, five days a week in the Longwood Medical Area, with a weekly stipend. Housing is not provided for Massachusetts students.

High school sophomores, juniors and seniors and college freshmen, sophomores and juniors can apply if they will be at least 16 when the program starts, live in or attend school in Massachusetts, and can travel to the Longwood Medical Area five days a week in summer. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. There is no minimum GPA, and no research experience is needed. Applicants submit an application form, a recent transcript or report card, a résumé and two or three letters of recommendation, one from a science or math teacher. Letters are due with the application, and late applications are not accepted. Applications for 2027 open November 1, 2026.