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SC CHEER Youth Enjoy Science Program

A student interacts with a touchscreen next to a bed with a manikin on it as part of a simulated experience of caring for a patient.

The SC CHEER Youth Enjoy Science program is a two-year research and education program that introduces local high school and undergraduate students to biomedical and cancer research while building skills, confidence and pathways to careers in science and health care. Students complete seven-week paid research internships over consecutive summers, gaining hands-on experience in real-world research environments, along with continued engagement throughout the school year.

Beyond lab experience, the program emphasizes cancer education, scientific communication, leadership development and exposure to health disparities – helping students to see how research can directly impact their communities. The overall goal of the program is to inspire the next generation of scientists and health professionals by providing meaningful access to research opportunities and by showing students that they belong in science.

For more information or questions about the program, email Dr. Megan Ellison at ellisome@musc.edu.

Student Spotlight

Student poses in a garden.

Future Doctor

High school student Karreon Campbell talks about getting hands-on lab experience in the SC CHEER YES program.
A young woman stands proudly wearing her high school graduation cap in front of MUSC research buildings.

Budding Researcher

Jalayia McDowell wasn't sure about spending her summers studying cancer. But now the new high school graduate is headed to college to study biology.
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High School Researchers

Students from four Charleston County high schools spent their summer learning how to research in labs at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.
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Read more about SC CHEER YES

2027 SC CHEER YES Program

Program Dates

Nov. 1, 2026
Applications open

Feb. 1, 2027
Application & Recommendation Letter deadline

Mar. 1, 2027
Acceptance letters go out

Mar. 12, 2027
Acceptance deadline

Mar. 15 – May 14, 2027
Onboarding

Jun. 7 – Jul. 23, 2027
SC CHEER YES Summer Program at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center

Program Eligibility

Eligible applicants are rising sophomores and juniors at the following schools who have an interest in biomedical or cancer research. High school applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and undergraduate applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

  • Burke High School
  • Charleston Charter School for Math and Science
  • North Charleston High School
  • St. John’s High School
  • Claflin University
  • South Carolina State University
  • Voorhees University

Program Benefits

  • Hands-on research lab experience.
  • Seven-week paid internship ($15/hour).
  • 15 college credit hours.
  • Mentorship from Hollings faculty.
  • Professional & leadership development.

Application Requirements

To apply for the program, please fill out the SC CHEER YES online application form. Students who participated in Year 1 still need to complete the application process for this year. Please review the form instructions for the complete list of application requirements. Applications open on Nov. 1, 2026 and the application deadline is Feb. 1, 2027.

Selection Process

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center and school leadership will conduct reviews of top candidates based on application materials to select SC CHEER YES scholars.