M-ASCEND High School Program
M-ASCEND has two programs for high school students from partner high schools (Brooklyn Center, Central, Harding, Hiawatha, Highland Park, Johnson, Patrick Henry, Roosevelt, South, Washington Tech). Accepted students learn about cancer and cancer research through hands-on programming with University of Minnesota (UMN) faculty and staff. Programs also cover college readiness and cancer research, and healthcare career pathways. These programs are paid to encourage Minnesota students from partner schools, particularly those who have limited access to advanced science or have experienced personal barriers to academic experiences, to pursue careers in research or clinical fields. Questions? Email [email protected]
About the High School Scholars Program
The M-ASCEND school year program, known as High School Scholars, meets during the fall and spring school semesters. We invite you to review the information below to learn more about the program timeline and expectations. Please note there is no separate Scholar Program for the 2025 - 2026 school year.
Program Description
The M-ASCEND Academic Year High School Scholar Program collaborates with specific Minnesota high schools to recruit qualified 10th- and 11th-grade students.
- The program accepts a limited number of students each fall.
- This is a paid opportunity for students.
- The program consists of up to four 3.5-hour Saturday events on the University of Minnesota campus.
- More details will be provided soon!
Student Eligibility
Eligibility requirements will be provided at a later date.
Program Expectations
Students accepted into the program must agree to the following:
- Commit to attending up to 8 online and 4 in-person sessions.
- Be excited about STEM opportunities and hands-on learning!*
*List is not exhaustive and may change. Expectations will be detailed in the acceptance letter.
High School Scholars Program Application
The application process will be available to those recruited through schools.
Questions?
Email [email protected]
About the High School Internship Opportunity
This is a paid summer internship opportunity for students at least 16 years old who have participated in our M-ASCEND High School Scholars Program. The students who are accepted for the limited spots are official interns with the University of Minnesota. This internship is made up of two parts: over the summer and during the following school year.
The summer internship will be hosted at the University of Minnesota. Interns work in a cohort to complete an individualized research project and present it during the University of Minnesota Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium. Interns also attend workshops on college readiness and career-building, tour University labs, network with professional scientists, complete mini-labs, and learn about cancer and cancer public health topics.
The service-learning program during the following year is an opportunity to build upon the knowledge and skills students learn during the summer internship. They will get hands-on experience with community agencies involved in cancer. M-ASCEND High School Scholars interested in exploring research or clinical careers are encouraged to apply.
High School Internship Application
The application will be provided to all High School Scholars. To check if your school participates in the M-ASCEND program, email [email protected].
Questions?
Email [email protected]
M-ASCEND is a collaboration between the Program in Health Disparities Research and the Masonic Cancer Center. Research supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number 2R25CA250987. This vital program is led by Principal Investigators Dr. Michele Allen and Dr. Christopher Pennell, and Co-Investigator Dr. Susan Everson-Rose. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.