Typically, we have 800-1000 applications per year, and we accepted approximately 70 students. The program typically admits about 40% of undergraduates and 60% of high school students. This varies from year to year.

City of Hope welcomes high school and college students from across the nation who meet the following criteria.

Students must be at least 16 years old on their first day in the Academy.
Students must be US citizens, or permanent residents.
Students should have completed high school courses in chemistry and biology.

Complete and submit an online application. Additional information such as transcripts, and letters of recommendation, and resumes are advisable but not required. These may be submitted online with your application or through the unique URL given to each student once the application closes.

*Because we receive hundreds of applications and have limited staff, we kindly request that you refrain from contacting us directly regarding your application status. We regret that we are unable to respond to individual inquiries.

Most summer students receive a stipend of $4,500 at the end of the 10-week program.

Because research requires dedicated attention, students must attend the program full-time and not interrupt their 10-week commitment by taking other classes or vacations, etc. Participants must be available the entirety of the program from: June 1 - August 7, 2026 (Time off will not be approved during this time this includes family vacations).

Summer students will be matched with a laboratory and participate in experiments related to ongoing lab projects. Students will read journal articles relevant to their project and then discuss questions with their mentor or the principal investigator. Students will maintain a lab notebook documenting their research. To enhance the internship experience, each student is also required to participate in a biology course, a bioethics course-Responsible Conduct of Research, give a short talk, present a poster, and write a paper (approximately 3-4 pages long) about their research.

Matching participants and their lab depend on many factors. There is no guarantee that you will be matched with the lab that you have expressed interesting. Your time in the laboratory will result in a unique experience of bona fide lab research opportunities coupled to the development of an understanding of the theoretical basis of the field in which you do your research.

In addition to standard information such as name and contact information, the application has questions regarding your career goals, relevant coursework and any relevant previous experience you may have (previous experience is not a prerequisite). You are also asked to submit a brief statement describing why you wish to do research, and the area of your research interest.

Some students will submit immunization records based on the type of project they participate in, this may include Hepatitis B, TB, Tetanus (or Tdap), Varicella, MMR. Any proof of immunization must be received before the student can begin working on campus. No immunizations or tests will be performed at the City of Hope. All students must provide proof of medical insurance. All students must have work authorization and, at the time of hire, be able to present documentation showing their right to work in the U.S.

Students who are accepted will be notified by email.

No. Students are responsible for securing their own housing and transportation.

Summer Student Academy FAQs