Diversity in Cancer Research Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program

The Diversity in Cancer Research post-baccalaureate program provides an immersive training experience for individuals from groups historically underrepresented in science and medicine who hold a bachelor’s degree and aspire to earn a terminal degree (e.g., PhD or MD) in a STEM field.
Prospective Student

Program Details

Funded by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and offered by the MCW Cancer Center, the MCW Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) program is part of an ACS-funded, nationwide network to develop the next generation of diverse cancer researchers. 

The program is designed to enhance participants’ competitiveness for acceptance to graduate or medical school with the goal of building a more diverse cancer research workforce and promoting excellence and innovation in basic and clinical cancer science, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.

In addition to undertaking a two-year immersive laboratory research experience, students participate in career development workshops, if necessary take courses required for admission to a terminal degree program, and publish and present their work at regional and national scientific conferences.

Three people conversing

Program Components

  • Immersive, hands-on training in basic or clinical cancer research
  • Mentoring by accomplished investigator(s)
  • Academic coursework, if required
  • Career development workshops and networking
  • Publish in a peer-reviewed journal and present work at local, regional, and national meetings
  • Participation in community outreach and engagement
  • GRE and MCAT preparation

Eligibility

 Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a member of a minority group underrepresented in science as defined by the National Institutes of Health
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in a health profession or STEM discipline received no more than 3 years before time of application
  • Intend to pursue a terminal degree in science or medicine (e.g., PhD, MD, DO, DPH)
  • Agree to participate in the DICR program full-time
  • United States citizenship is not required

Learn More

Applications are now closed. (The application cycle for midsummer entry into the program generally opens in March but can be variable.)

For more information, please contact the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination: mcwcc-crtec@mcw.edu.