# High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN)

Six-week, full-time summer immersion at Roswell Park in Buffalo for Western New York juniors: lectures, discussions, and hands-on wet- or dry-lab cancer research ending in a poster symposium. No application fee.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 11–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Buffalo, NY |
| Time commitment | ~40 hours/week |
| Apply | https://www.roswellpark.org/education/high-school-undergrad/high-school-summer-research-program |

## About this program

# High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN)

SURE-CAN is the high school summer research program of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Over six full-time weeks in Buffalo, students work through an immersive curriculum of lectures, group discussions, and hands-on research in either a 'wet' laboratory or a computational 'dry' lab setting.

## What You'll Do

- Attend eight-hour days, 40 hours per week, for six weeks (the 2026 session ran June 26 - August 7)
- Learn the fundamentals of cancer science: cancer biology, imaging, genomics, and emerging technologies including AI methods
- Conduct hands-on wet- or dry-lab research alongside Roswell Park scientists
- Practice scientific communication and present a formal poster at the closing research symposium

## Who Should Apply

High school juniors who live and attend school in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, or Chautauqua counties in Western New York, within commuting distance of Roswell Park. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 15 years old at the program start. There are no application fees, and limited funding is available to support subsistence allowances for a select number of qualifying participants. The 2026 portal has closed; applications typically reopen in winter.

## Outcomes

Participants finish with a poster presentation at a comprehensive cancer center, exposure to both laboratory and computational oncology, and a credential that distinguishes research-minded students across Western New York.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN)?

High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN) is open to high school students in grades 11–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN) online or in person?

High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN) is an in-person program based in Buffalo, NY. Expect a time commitment of roughly 40 hours per week.

### How do I apply to High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN)?

Apply directly through Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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