Cancer Health Engagement Summer Scholars (CHESS)

Cancer Health Engagement Summer Scholars (CHESS) is a paid summer research program run by the University of Illinois Cancer Center and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Urban Health Program in Chicago, Illinois, for high school students interested in cancer research and other health careers. The program welcomes students from a range of backgrounds, including first-generation college students and students from under-resourced communities. After a boot camp week, each scholar works on an independent project in a UIC faculty lab, in areas such as molecular biology, pharmacology and biostatistics, and presents the work at the Cancer Center's student research symposium. Scholars also attend workshops and lectures on research, professional and academic skills. The 2027 program runs June 14 to August 6, on campus, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 40 hours a week for 8 weeks. Scholars who complete the program receive a $4,000 stipend.

Applicants must live in Cook County, be in grade 10, 11 or 12, be 16 years old on or before December 1, 2026, have an interest in healthcare or biomedical fields, and be able to attend all 8 weeks on campus, 40 hours a week. The online application includes three short personal essays, a transcript showing grades through the first quarter of fall 2026 and an unweighted GPA, and one recommendation from an education professional.