VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center recently completed its inaugural American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Cancer Research Education for Success (CARES) High School Scholars Program, a national initiative designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of cancer researchers.

The summer program allowed six Richmond City high school students a unique opportunity to earn a $4,000 stipend and gain hands-on experience in cancer research at the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center in downtown Richmond. Students spent six weeks - approximately 30 hours per week - gaining hands-on laboratory skills to support their future academic and career goals.

“Our CARES scholars are getting hands on experience that is very unique and that they don't often get in high school,” said Devanand Sarkar, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., the Massey associate director for cancer research training and education, who holds the Harrison Foundation Distinguished Professorship in Cancer Research, as well as a professor of cellular, molecular and genetic medicine at the VCU School of Medicine. “In high school, students do some kind of laboratory work or some kind of didactic lectures, but the level of comprehension and immersion that they get in a Massey directed research program is unprecedented.”

What did students experience in the AACR CARES High School Summer Program?

• Networking opportunities, building meaningful relationships with trainees, cancer researchers, mentors and other staff members
• Increased learning about cancer burden in Virginia, health disparities and community-engaged research
• Creating and presenting a scientific poster at the end of the program
• Gaining early exposure to biomedical research while supporting skill development and professional growth within the cancer research community
• Regular lectures from a variety of cancer researchers

Following the six-week program, students receive one year of structured mentorship and career development support directly from the AACR. This includes access to the AACR’s mentorship network, academic guidance, and exclusive engagement opportunities with leaders in the field.

Why does this grant matter?

• This grant allows Massey to better prepare prospective cancer researchers, giving them the in-lab training that often does not occur until graduate school.
• Offers opportunities for students in under-resourced schools to receive hands-on training, lectures, and laboratory experiences.

“The CARES program can help students navigate what they want to do with their future, because by the end of it, they're exposed to so many different fields of science. Not only are they working alongside a mentor in a cancer research lab, but they also get weekly lectures by the amazing faculty here at VCU.

 

“They're not just exposed to scientists, but also physicians and maybe clinicians as well. So, even if they don't want to go into a field in science, they're walking away from this program with enhanced communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills. And those are skills that they can take with them into any career, whether it be science or not.”

 

- Kayla Rodriguez, ACS Post-Baccalaureate Fellow, and Program Mentor

What opportunities does Massey have for high school-aged aspiring cancer researchers?

Massey has three primary programs for high school-aged students who are interested in cancer research:

• AACR CARES
• Community High School Engagement and Learning Program: The Community High School Engagement & Learning (CHiSEL) Program provides experiential learning opportunities for high school students interested in cancer research. Students will be paired with a Massey investigator for five weeks.
• ACS Cancer Research High School Program: The ACS Cancer Research High School Program, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, aims to introduce Virginia high school student leaders to the vast career and leadership opportunities in oncology. This 2-week virtual program is for high schoolers who will be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years. The program will include a series of virtual workshops, panels, and hands-on research activities.

More information can be found regarding Massey’s Cancer Research and Training Education programs here.