South Carolina Cancer Health Equity Research Training Youth Enjoy Science Program

a young woman sitting in front of a microscope looks at the camera and smiles
Former SC CURE scholar Latavia Fields from Burke High School gained research experience and mentoring in Hollings labs.

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is thrilled to expand on the success of our South Carolina Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience (SC CURE) program with an exciting new opportunity.

The South Carolina Cancer Health Equity Research Training Youth Enjoy Science (SC CHEER YES) program offers a chance for 15-20 students from Burke High School, Charleston Charter School for Math and Science, North Charleston High School and St. John’s High School to receive intensive mentorship and lab experience in cancer research. This two-year commitment includes an exclusive inside look at biomedical careers at Spring MUSC Day in the Life events, and two seven-week paid research internships at Hollings during two consecutive summers.

South Carolina has disproportionately high rates of cancer deaths in racially/ethnically diverse and medically underserved populations. Well-trained investigators are needed to lead future scientific projects to reduce these disparities.

Program Eligibility

  • Current freshmen and sophomores at four high schools: Burke High School, Charleston Charter School for Math and Science, North Charleston High School and St. John’s High School.
  • Applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a biomedical science career and have a minimum high school grade point average of 2.5.

Application Requirements

A complete application for the SC CHEER YES program includes:

  1. A brief written statement expressing interest in biomedical research and/or cancer research (submitted by the student to the school counselor).
  2. Two letters of recommendation from teachers (submitted by the school counselor — one science/math, the other English — or a reference that can speak to your writing ability).
  3. Copy of the previous semester’s report card or current transcript.

School counselor or other school staff will email items 1-3 to Ellen Gomez at gomezel@musc.edu by February 28, 2023.

Selection Process

  • To select SC CHEER YES scholars, Hollings Cancer Center and school leadership will conduct interviews of top candidates based on application materials.
  • Based on the applicant review process, a cohort of 15-20 scholars will be chosen to participate in the two-year SC CHEER YES program. It is expected that selected scholars will commit to the entire two years.

Key Program Dates for 2023

January 17
Application Process Opens (Please see your school administrators for the application packet)

February 28
Application Packet Deadline

March 15
Accepted Students Receive their Welcome Packets with MUSC HR Onboarding Process

March 15 – May 1
Orientations and HR Onboarding Support for Accepted Students and Families

April 28
“Day in the Life” Field Trip Opportunity

June 12 – July 28
SC CHEER YES Summer Program at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center