Program

Why Is This Program Important?

People of color have higher cancer mortality. Training Rhode Island high school students of color to be future leaders in cancer care will reduce this disparity.

Process & Requirements

Application Process

Sophomore students should complete the online application form as soon as possible. The application process will be closed once 20 Scholars have been selected.
Students will be selected by the Future Gen committee and their high school.

Program Requirements

Applicants for this program should be Hispanic, Black, Native American or Indigenous People of Color, in their sophomore year in a public school in Providence, Central Falls or Pawtucket.
Please contact the FutureGenri.org program if you are hoping to participate but you are not certain if your school or enrollment status falls within these guidelines.

Summer Program

Overview & Goals

Enrollment

The Future Gen Cancer Scholars program will enroll 20 sophomore BIPOC high school students per year for a six-week, two-year, summer program, shadowing hematologists and oncologists in the inpatient and outpatient oncology settings at Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, and Hasbro Children’s Hospital, in addition to our advanced research laboratories.

Nomination Process

After completing the online application, students will be selected by the Future Gen Committee and their high schools.

Professional Pairing

To model appreciation of hard work, respect, and doctor patient relationship, each student will be paired with a single clinical hematologist/oncologist.

Assignments

Didactics and reading assignments will be included. The average day will be 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Skills

Among the skills scholars will observe include taking a history and physical examination, reviewing the medical literature, analyzing data including laboratory and radiologic studies.

Observations

Observations of experienced, skilled and compassionate physicians taking histories, teaching and instructing patients will have lifelong impact.

Sample Small Group Lecture Topics

Inequities in Cancer Care
Overview of Common Cancers
Clinical Trial Overviews (including ethics)
Basic Cancer Treatments
Genetic Alternations
Immunology 101
Environmental Carcinogens

Laboratory Core of Summer Program

Goal is to inspire BIPOC students to be scientists
Shadowing with senior scientists, their PhDs and graduate students
See molecular biology techniques such as growth of cancer cells in cultures and single cell analysis using very high technology equipment such as flow cytometry and Cytof
Provide examples using familiar tests (such as explaining a rapid antigen IHC test versus a PCR test for COVID)
LCI cancer research mentors will work with the scholar to understand the basics of designing, conducting and analyzing a laboratory experiment

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid while being part of this program?

You will be hired by Lifespan and will be paid an hourly wage for your hours of participation. Your transportation will also be reimbursed. The Papitto Opportunity Connection is generously supporting this program.

Can I still participate in the program if I need to be away for a week between July 10- August 18?

Please indicate the reason for your potential absence in your application. It is expected that scholars participate at least 5 weeks during this period, 3-4 days per week, approximately 8am – 3pm.

How do I apply?

Please complete the online application form. Your high school will then select and nominate candidates. Please contact the Future Gen Cancer Scholars program if you are not sure of your eligibility.