Advancing Research in Science with Excellence Summer Research Internship


The goal of the Advancing Research in Science with Excellence (ARISE) program is to enrich the education of 6-12 grade students by providing year-round science education, a wide array of cancer focused activities to bolster skills, and community experiences so we can improve student potential to thrive in advanced degree science programs and engage in cancer related careers.

student conducting experiment

Program Details

Hands-on lab experience

Interns will be placed in a mentor lab and participate in cancer research.

• Laboratory skills training
• Get to know the bench
• Mentor meetings with supervisor and Principal Investigator
• Cancer research project with supervisor

Program dates

June 14 – August 6, 2027

When applying, be ready to upload:

  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Two Essays
  • Name of a reference*
    *we will contact your reference for a letter of recommendation

Enrichment Activities

Paired with lab hours, interns will participate in career development activities.

  • Cancer nutrition
  • Cancer outreach
  • Pathology experience
  • Career panels
  • Science presentation workshop

Alumni Corner

Caroline and Aurora



Caroline (2023 intern) continued her work in the Lang Lab after her internship and was an ARISE mentor for Aurora (2024 intern).

ARISE Interns conducting experiment

Olivia and Lily

ARISE Intern Olivia
ARISE Intern Lily

Parent Testimonials

“The presentations yesterday were truly impressive for their delivery, attention to time constraints, and especially for the level of understanding that the students achieved in such a short time. Those presentations just reinforced the sense that the internships are a truly unique experience. ”  ~Erik

“Ashley loves the program and we are continually blown away by what a great opportunity it is! She is learning so much and it’s opening her mind to studies and careers she didn’t know existed.” ~ Julie

Intern Excitement

“ARISE exceeded my expectations. I knew I would be working in a lab and going to enrichment activities, but I did not think I would learn as much as I did about the gut microbiome, colorectal cancer, and lab procedures from working in the lab and more about college and career plans from the enrichment activities”
–Xavier 2024 Summer Intern

“ARISE is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. It allows teenagers to find their passions, discover their callings, and learn an insane amount in just 7 weeks. I would recommend this program to everyone I know, and if I could, I’d go back and do it a million more times.”
Ellie – 2023 Summer Intern

Program Facts and Details

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  • Interns must be 16-years old and have completed their sophomore year by the start of the program
  • Orientation: Health Science Learning Center. Tuesday, June 8, 2027 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm (parent(s)/guardian(s) must accompany intern) More information will be provided to the interns selected for the program. 
  • Internship dates: June 14 – August 6, 2027. July 4 is an observed holiday (July 5 observed) 
  • 30-hours a week at $18 per hour 
  • Intern schedules each week will be dependent on research needs. 
  • ARISE is an intensive, full-time research program. Participants are expected to be present for all eight weeks, Monday through Friday, during normal lab hours (about 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Participation in family vacations, sport clinics/practices, other camps, etc. may affect your eligibility to participate or remain in the program 
  • Interns will present their research experience and findings at the conclusion of the internship. (in-person) 
  • Receive a UW Carbone Cancer Center Science Research Certificate 
  • Housing is not provided for this program.

  • Transcripts
    • An unofficial copy of your transcripts with your name, student id, and school name must be visible. Make sure it includes all of you high school semesters including Fall of 2026.
  • Essays
    • You will be required to write TWO 250 words or less essays following provided writing prompts. Please make sure to put both responses in the same document.
  • Letter of Recommendation
    • On the application you will be asked to provide the name and email address of a teacher, coach, school staff, boss, etc. who know you the best. The letter should state their support for you as a participant in the ARISE program (no family members). UWCCC will reach out to your reference to obtain this letter. Make sure your reference is aware of this outreach, so they know to watch for an email. Make sure you provide your reference with enough time to write you a good letter.

What is the time commitment? 

Participants are expected to dedicate 30 hours per week to the program. Hours may be scheduled at any time between Monday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and may vary from week to week depending on research needs. Evening and weekend hours are not required. 

Is housing provided? 

This is no housing provided through this program. If you are coming from a distance, it is your responsibility to arrange for your own housing during the program. 

Where is the internship located? 

The internship begins with meetings at WIMR and UW Hospital, but your primary research location will depend on your placement with a mentor’s lab. Some labs are located outside the hospital campus and are easily accessible via the free campus bus system. 

Is transportation/parking available? 

Participants are responsible for getting to campus each day. The program provides a Madison Metro bus pass for all interns, and a free campus bus service is available. Campus parking is not provided; however, alternative parking options may be available and will be shared with accepted participants. 

Are vacations or breaks allowed during the program? 

No. Due to the intensive and time-sensitive nature of research, vacations and extended absences are not permitted during the internship. Exceptions may be made for family emergencies. Please ensure you do not have overlapping camp, program, or vacation commitments. If you have another job, work hours must be scheduled outside of ARISE program hours. 

When will the decision be made? 

Application review takes time, and applicants can expect to receive a decision by mid- to late March via email.