Chicago EYES on Cancer

Chicago EYES on Cancer (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) is a two-year cancer research training program at the University of Chicago for high school and college students interested in biomedical careers. Participants spend two summers working full time in a university cancer research lab. The 2027 summer research session runs June 14 to August 6, at 35 to 40 hours per week, and the 2028 summer follows a similar schedule. Students also join monthly Zoom enrichment activities from February 2027 through December 2028, taking about 2 to 4 hours a month. The program includes a summer lecture series, career workshops, mentoring, and a final research symposium. Each participant earns a taxable stipend of $5,000 per year. Students arrange their own housing and transportation. Up to 12 applicants are accepted each year.

Open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, along with college freshmen and sophomores, at the time of application. Applicants must be at least 16 by the start of the program (June 14, 2027), and high school applicants must live in Cook, Lake, Will or DuPage County in Illinois or Lake County in Indiana. Participants must commit to the full two-year program: two 8-week summers at 35-40 hours/week plus 2-4 hours/month of virtual enrichment. To apply, submit the online application and two recommendations, at least one from a teacher, by November 30, 2026. Finalists interview in person on January 4, 2027.