High School Program in Biomedical Research

A Summer of Science for a Lifetime of Learning

Wistar’s High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research is now accepting applications for its immersive biomedical research internship. This summer, students will spend four weeks learning best-practices in biomedical laboratory techniques while also contributing to active Wistar science projects in our state-of-the-science Training Lab. Students will also learn to read scientific literature, explore multiple careers in biomedical research, and present their work at the end of the program.

We are excited to support 15 highly motivated high school students who are passionate about science and interested in experiencing biomedical research. No prior research experience is necessary. Students from underserved and/or underrepresented backgrounds, including ethnic or racial minorities, those with disabilities, or those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULE & STIPEND

Wistar’s High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research takes place Monday, July 15th through Thursday, August 8th, 2024. Each week, students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Note that absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated – please ensure you can fully participate in the program.

The Wistar Institute is located in West Philadelphia’s University City District at 3601 Spruce Street.

Students will receive SEPTA passes to defray the cost of traveling to and from the Institute. A stipend of $1,000 will be awarded for successful completion of the program.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the program, students must:

-Be at least 16 years of age;
-Have successfully completed at least one high school science course; and
-Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster

Note: This Program gives preference and may be limited to students enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia.

TO APPLY

Create an account and then start your application process using the “Add New High School Program Summer 2024 Application” button.

Applications are due by 11:59 pm EST, March 31, 2024.

A complete application includes:

Online application
A personal statement that explains why you are interested in this program and how participation will advance your educational and career goals. This program is especially interested in serving students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds. We invite you to also share any barriers or challenges you’ve faced in pursuing your career goals and how this program can help you overcome those challenges. Statements should be single-spaced, 12-point font and no more than 1 page.
Two letters of recommendation. We prefer at least one recommendation from a current or former science teacher.
Transcript or list of classes taken with grades received

The selection process will include a 15-minute virtual interview of qualified candidates. Final decisions will be communicated in the first week of May.

CONTACT US

For more information about the High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research at The Wistar Institute, please contact:

Jason Diaz, Ph.D.
Education Program Director and Assistant Professor
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-3803
jdiaz@wistar.org

Cailey Bice
Education Program Coordinator
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-3749
cbice@wistar.org

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Wistar Institute gratefully acknowledges generous support for the High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research from:

Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation
Spark Therapeutics
Rich and Lily Siegel
The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust

“The High School Fellowship confirmed for me that I want a research career. It exposed me to the field I want to go into before college and gave me valuable experiences I could not have gotten elsewhere.”

A.L., Julia R. Masterman Laboratory & Demonstration School
Wistar High School Fellowship Graduate