YES for CURE (Young Empowered Scientists for ContinUed Research Engagement)

Grades

High school and undergraduate students (specific grade levels not explicitly stated in available materials)

Age

Not specified in available documentation

Citizenship

Not specified; likely U.S. citizens or permanent residents but not confirmed

Prerequisites

High motivation and interest in pursuing a career in scientific research; program prioritizes first-generation students, students from non-English speaking households, and economically disadvantaged students

Steps

1. Submit application (exact format not specified in available materials)
2. Likely includes academic records review
3. Possible interviews with program leadership
4. Acceptance notification and onboarding

Materials Needed

• Academic records/transcripts (likely)
• Application form (format unknown)
• Potentially letters of recommendation (unconfirmed)
• Statement of interest in research (likely but unconfirmed)
• Essay or personal statement (likely but unconfirmed)

Timeline

Official application timeline not available in retrieved materials; program operates on academic year basis with June-August summer research component; recommend contacting program directly for specific deadlines

Cost

FREE—program provides paid summer research positions; no application fee mentioned

What Judges Look For

• High motivation and genuine interest in scientific research careers
• Academic performance and STEM aptitude
• Potential to benefit from research training and mentorship
• First-generation or underrepresented background (program prioritizes)
• Demonstrated commitment to learning
• Ability to engage in rigorous 2.5-year commitment

Scoring

Not publicly available; program appears to use holistic review considering academic performance, motivation, background, and potential

Common Mistakes

• Applying without genuine interest in cancer/biomedical research
• Not demonstrating understanding of program's mission (serving underrepresented students)
• Failing to commit to full 2.5-year program timeline
• Underestimating time commitment (weekly seminars, summer full-time work, curriculum development)
• Not emphasizing collaborative spirit or willingness to mentor younger students

Acceptance Rate

Unknown—not publicly available

Applicants

Unknown—not publicly available

Winners / Selected

Unknown—not specified in available materials

• Contact the program directly via Dana-Farber website or email to request specific application deadline and materials list
• Emphasize genuine interest in cancer research and biomedical science, not just prestige or résumé building
• Highlight first-generation or underrepresented background if applicable—program explicitly designed for these students
• Demonstrate understanding of the 2.5-year commitment and what each year involves (research, curriculum, mentorship, middle school teaching)
• Show evidence of academic strength in STEM, particularly biology/chemistry courses
• Express willingness to engage in professional development and soft skills training
• If possible, describe any prior exposure to research or STEM mentorship
• Prepare to discuss long-term career goals in cancer research or biomedical fields
• Highlight ability to work in a collaborative team environment across multiple years
• Research Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and cancer disparities to show program knowledge in application

How to Prepare

• Build strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and general STEM courses (take AP Bio, AP Chemistry if available)
• Seek any available research experience or science internships in high school
• Read scientific literature and cancer research news to demonstrate genuine interest
• Develop understanding of cancer disparities and health equity issues
• Volunteer or engage in community service, especially in underserved communities
• Connect with STEM mentors or teachers who can speak to your potential
• Participate in science clubs, competitions, or science fairs
• Learn basic lab safety and scientific writing conventions
• Contact program early to understand application requirements and timeline

Resources

• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute official website and YES for CURE page
• National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov) for research background
• PubMed for access to cancer research articles
• Khan Academy for advanced biology/chemistry review
• AAAS Science Magazine or Nature for current research trends
• Local Boston-area science museums and research centers
• High school AP Biology/Chemistry coursework and tutoring
• College essay guides for articulating research interests
• STEM mentorship programs in Boston area

Time Needed

Begin preparation 1-2 years in advance if possible; complete strong STEM coursework in grades 9-11; apply during junior year or early senior year of high school; if selected, commit 2.5 years starting summer after acceptance

Successful applicants typically include: first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, students from non-English speaking households, students with high academic performance (particularly in STEM), students demonstrating genuine research interest rather than resume-padding, Boston-area or accessible distance students, students showing commitment to community service/mentorship, students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups in STEM

Very positive for college admissions. YES for CURE carries significant weight because: (1) it's affiliated with Harvard and Dana-Farber, prestigious institutions; (2) it's a paid research position demonstrating selectivity; (3) extended 2.5-year commitment shows serious dedication to research; (4) demonstrates concrete research experience with publications/presentations potential; (5) shows mentorship under faculty and postdocs; (6) particularly valued by top research universities and medical schools; (7) program explicitly supports underrepresented students, which colleges value for diversity initiatives; (8) curriculum development and mentoring components show leadership; (9) provides strong letters of recommendation from experienced researchers; (10) demonstrated experience with cancer/biomedical research makes competitive applicant for pre-med, biology, or biomedical engineering majors

• Congressional App Challenge — Tier 3, competition
• ARML (American Regions Mathematics League) — Tier 3, competition
• AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) — Tier 3, competition
• National Science Bowl — Tier 3, competition
• Science Olympiad — Tier 3, competition