UPWARDS Summer Program

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center

Program overview

Underserved high school and undergraduate students interested in STEM, biomedical research, and cancer research careers; hands-on laboratory experience

Eligibility

High school track: local high school student, incoming senior fall 2026, 18 or older by June 1, 2026; identifies as economically disadvantaged, educationally disadvantaged, with disabilities, or first-generation. Undergraduate track: completed freshman, sophomore, or junior year by June 2026 and in good academic standing; fifth-year seniors returning Fall 2026 may apply; identifies as economically disadvantaged, educationally disadvantaged, with disabilities, or first-generation. International students may apply with current visa. · International students may apply if they hold a current visa through the duration of the program · High school track: must be a local high school student

Key details

Organization
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Type
Summer research training program
Location
On-campus at MD Anderson Cancer Center
Format
in-person
Eligible grades
High school (incoming senior for fall 2026), Undergraduate (completed freshman, sophomore, or junior year by June 2026), Fifth-year undergraduate returning Fall 2026
Application deadline
January 14th; 11:59pm CST
Cost
Paid; on-site participants receive a stipend of up to $7,200 for the 10-week program; no additional allowances
Compensation
Stipend available
Time commitment
Full-time, 40 hours/week for a 10-week summer program
Application status
Closed for 2026; check back in November for 2027 program details

How to apply

Apply on the program's own site. Details here were read from that page and can change — confirm them there before applying.

Official program page