M-ASCEND Undergraduate Summer Internship

The M-ASCEND Summer Undergraduate Research Internship has closed for summer 2025.

• Program dates typically run from June to August
• Accepted interns will be matched with an academic research mentor.

During the program, participants will:

• Learn how health disparities and cancer are addressed through community-engaged research
• Engage in research related to faculty mentor’s area of investigation in basic biomedical, behavioral, translational, clinical, and/or community-based research
• Attend weekly seminars and workshops on topics such as interdisciplinary research, applying for medical or professional schools, and the root causes of health disparities and cancer
• Mentor the M-ASCEND high school interns
• Present a poster to academic members and community partners at the end of the internship

^{*Program dates are subject to change.
**Programming may be adjusted depending on presenters' availability and program needs.}

Applicants accepted into the program must agree to the following:

• Commit to work full-time (40 hours per week) during normal office hours (8:00am-5:00pm) for the duration of the nine-week program (Some evening and/or weekend hours may be required)
• Attend all weekly seminar series and required activities
• Be a mentor to the M-ASCEND high school interns
• Create and present a poster at the program-end symposium at the close of the program
• Access to a laptop, web camera, and reliable internet

^{*List is not exhaustive and may change. Expectations will be detailed in the acceptance letter.}

Below is a tentative timeline, more information will be provided regarding the 2025 - 2026 schedule. Check back for more details or subscribe to our mailing list for updates.

• December: Applications open
• February: Applications due
• March: Interview and Selection Process
• April: Mentor/Mentee Matching
• June – August: Internship Program
• August: Poster Session

^{*Timeline is subject to change without notice.}

Eligibility requirements will be provided at a later date.

Application is Closed

More details to come regarding the next opportunity. See below for previous application questions. Please note that the application questions are subject to change.

Part 1: Candidate Application

• Applicant information
• Personal Essay
  • Describe your academic and career goals, interest in human health research, how you will benefit from this program, what you want to learn or accomplish from this program, any research experience you have had, if applicable, and any personal challenges you have faced that have influenced your life and/or academic career.
  • 2-page limit; 12 pt font; single-spaced
• Short Essay
  • Take a moment to think about a specific, diverse, or underserved community within Minnesota and how it is impacted by health disparities. In your essay, describe one or two of the most critical health issues facing this Minnesota community. Give examples of how you, in your intended profession, i.e. nurse, researcher, medical doctor, community health worker, etc., would serve in this area of need.
  • 12 pt font, single-spaced, 500 word limit
• If applicable, please specify any personal challenges you have faced that have influenced your life and/or academic career.
  • Up to 2 pages.
• Upload your resume or curriculum vitae
  • Include paid and unpaid work experiences, community service, volunteer activities, awards/achievements, and clubs/organizations
    • Examples of unpaid experience: working in the family business; taking care of siblings/elderly adults, etc.
• Upload your transcript(s)
  • Unofficial copies are acceptable
  • Include transcripts from all colleges/universities attended

Part 2: Letters of Recommendation

• Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation
• Each letter writer must complete a short survey and upload a recommendation letter that includes the institutional/organization letterhead
• Identify your letter writers and send them the letter of recommendation link to access the survey and to upload their letter
• Deadline is typically in February -- no late letters will be accepted

The review committee will score applications based on the following criteria:

• Academic Merit
• Personal Essay
• Short Essay
• Motivation to work in health or research professions
• Extracurricular activities
• Letters of recommendation