The Healthcare Experience and Research in Oncology (HERO) high school program, previously known as Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology, is a synchronous virtual program that brings together high school students from multiple Midwest institutions. Program activities are designed to foster an interest in oncology-related careers and provide experience with cancer research. Programming is delivered in part through a partnership with eCLOSE Institute and is funded by the American Cancer Society.
Program Description
Week One
- Hands-on (at-home) lab work using Drosophila as a model organism to study the impact of nutrients on different genetic-based cancers.
- Work is synchronous and guided by eCLOSE instructors. Students work in
multi-institution groups to collect, analyze, and present their data - All necessary lab materials provided.
Week Two
- Presentations from faculty guest speakers covering topics across the cancer continuum including genetic factors, medical careers, clinical trials, community outreach and survivorship.
- Cancer- related career panels.
- Patient case study project with peer groups to explore facets of cancer science and clinical care. The case study is facilitated by graduate student mentors. Peer groups present their case study findings on the final day.
Program Dates
Weekdays from 9am-1pm July 20–24 and 27–31, 2026
Virtual orientation meeting — TBD
Eligibility
- Full-time Wisconsin high school student (current freshman, sophomore or junior). See FAQs for county-specific application info.
- Past SHE participants are not eligible to participate
- Strong interest in scientific research, biomedicine, or other cancer-related careers
- Able to commit to the full two-week program and have reliable computer and internet access (some scholarships for technology available)
- Priority consideration will be given to students from rural school districts located in areas eligible to receive NIH rural health
grants.
Benefits
- Mentorship from researchers in the cancer science field
- Network of faculty and peers across program sites
- Targeted career exploration workshops with professionals in cancer research and care
- Lab kits for the experiments related to the program
- $500 taxable stipend for students who fully participate
- Invitations to UW Carbone special events
- Virtual learning activities to continue to build knowledge of cancer research and careers in collaboration with all three HERO cohorts.
Application
- Online application form and teacher recommendation survey due by April 24, 2026.
- Personal statements — each limited to 250 words
- What motivated you to apply to the this program? In your response please discuss how the program aligns with your academic and career plans, describe the nature of your interest in cancer, and explain what you hope to gain from the experience.
- What makes you a good candidate for this virtual program? Please describe past experiences you have had participating in virtual activities and any laboratory or research experience you have had, including in school classes or extracurriculars, summer programs, or on your own.
- Educational reference
- From a non-family member that can reflect on your interest in science, your ability to work with other students in a (virtual) educational setting, and your ability to honor commitments and deadlines.
- Once you complete your application, your recommender will receive an email to complete a reference survey by April 24, 2026; please give your recommender sufficient time to complete this!
- Frequently Asked Questions
As part of a cohort, HERO students enrolled through the Carbone Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin will complete program activities in collaboration with peers enrolled through:
