SC CHEER 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 previous success of our South Carolina Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience (SC CURE) program with another exciting opportunity for high school students.

The SC CHEER Youth Enjoy Science 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 two seven-week paid research internships at Hollings during two consecutive summers.

2025 SC CHEER YES Program
June 16 – August 1, 2025

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

Program Eligibility

  • Current sophomores and juniors 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

To apply for the program, the SC CHEER YES online application form must be filled out. The form includes places to upload the following items:

  1. A student profile expressing interest in biomedical research and/or cancer research, and career goals.
  2. Two completed recommendation forms from teachers (one from a science/math teacher, the other from an English teacher – or a reference that can speak to your writing ability).
  3. Copy of the previous semester’s report card or current transcript.

Students who participated in Year 1 still need to complete the application process for this year.

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.
  • There will be an opportunity for a select number of incoming scholars to join for a one-year opportunity in the summer of 2025.

Key Program Dates for 2025

January 15
Application Process Opens

March 3
Application Deadline

March 17
Accepted Students Receive their Welcome Packets with MUSC HR Onboarding Process

March 25 – May 2
Orientations and HR Onboarding Support for Accepted Students and Families

June 16 – August 1
SC CHEER YES Summer Program at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center