CURE Program for Students
CURE is a paid research training program in the summer for high school and college undergraduate students.
The Opportunity
Join the fight against cancer! Work with scientists, mentors, peers, and other students to learn about research. You can share what you learn with your community and learn skills that will help you during college and in identifying your career path. The experience may also inspire you to want to become a cancer researcher or oncologist too!
Help the Fight Against Cancer
Take part in ongoing research at The University of New Mexico Cancer Center. Here are some examples of ongoing projects:
- Cancer risk from environmental exposure to mixed metals
- Knowledge and attitudes regarding cancer screening in indigenous communities
- Identifying causes and treatments for breast and ovarian cancer
- Sexual and Gender minority patient and caregiver experiences of cancer
- Genomic and data analyses for personalized cancer therapies
Pursuing a Health Degree?
Discover the many health degree programs offered at UNM Health and Health Sciences and learn how to navigate your pre-health journey.
Cancer affects people everywhere, of every age and every race. You can join the fight against it. You can help scientists and doctors learn more about cancer. And you can share what you learn with other students, cancer scientists and doctors, and the people in your community.
Work in a Lab with Our Research Experts
Learn important skills that will help you in college and beyond!
Complete a one-week introductory course on cancer (high school students) or professional development course for college credit (undergraduate students).
Conduct scientific research in community, public or environmental health — learn from the scientists themselves!
- Work with research teams
- Learn from mentors, peers and diverse groups of people
- Explain science to family, community, teachers and peers
- Learn how to prepare applications for college and graduate school
- Discover career opportunities where you can apply your science knowledge
Eligibility
- 16 years or older
- In good academic standing
- Strongly interested in science
Participant Perspectives: UPN - ACS Cancer Research Program
Interns and mentors share what they have gained through training and education programs at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. Thanks to the American Cancer Society.
CURE Program Details
CURE provides paid internships for students participating in 40 hours per week during the summer.
Students are required to:
- Make a commitment to completing the program
- Attend UNM seminars, lectures, training sessions and activities
- Select UNM Faculty and “near-peer” mentors
- Choose a research project in community, public or environmental health
- Consult with UNM Faculty and near-peer mentors
- Final Project Presentation - Share what was learned with the school and/or community in a unique presentation, such as a poster or calendar, or a painting, musical piece, poem, or dance
The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience (CURE) program is supported through partnerships between UNM and branch campuses, Native American Community Academy, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Navajo Technical University, and Santa Fe Indian School.
Will Students be Paid?
CURE provides paid internships for students participating in 40 hours per week during summers.
The payment amount is determined at the start of each program year by CURE funding sources, and can vary from year to year.
Is Housing Available?
- Housing is not available for high school students.
- Housing in the dormitories on the UNM campus is available for undergraduate students during the summer.
What Fees Do Students Have to Pay?
- High School students will have to pay for a parking permit if they plan to park on UNM Campus.
- Undergraduate students will have to pay tuition for one credit hour. They will also need to pay for housing and food if they elect to live on campus or a parking permit if they will not be living on campus.
- Additional fees may be required.
How can I learn more?
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If you have more questions about the CURE program, please contact UNMCCC-Training@salud.unm.edu
Undergraduate students can submit an electronic application via UNM Undergraduate Pipeline Network Summer Research Experience.
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UPN Tentative Summer Program Dates: May 28 through August 1
Summer Internship Information
The CURE program provides high school students interested in cancer research careers the opportunity to complete an eight to ten week, full-time, paid, summer internship at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. This internship is designed to prepare students for undergraduate college programs in health and social science fields by helping them attain skills in research design, laboratory research, data analysis, and much, much, more.
Eligibility
- a United States citizen, or non-citizen national, or have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence
- a high school student, age 16 or older, in good academic standing
- display a strong aptitude and interest in science
Steps to Apply
- Review the CURE Program Details and Eligibility requirements
- Submit the following:
- CURE Student Program Application
- Parental Release and Permission Form
- An unofficial copy of your current transcripts or current report card (uploaded in the application)
- One recommendation form from a current teacher or mentor familiar with your academic performance is required. They will need to submit the recommendation using the following form or link: Program Student Recommendation Form
- CURE Student Program Application
For more information, contact UNMCCC-Training@salud.unm.edu
If you have more questions, e-mail UNMCCC-Training@salud.unm.edu