Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) Programs
American Cancer Society-funded training for graduates and undergraduates in STEM including those from disadvantaged backgrounds
O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center seeks to create a diverse research environment focused on supporting, encouraging and recognizing achievements of all graduates and undergraduates including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. A We offer two unique programs that are funded by American Cancer Society (ACS) Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) grants. Herein, the term “disadvantaged” will be used to represent first-generation college students as well as graduates and undergraduates who:
- have faced challenging social, economic, educational, cultural, or other life circumstances;
- demonstrate a commitment to bringing diverse people together;
- demonstrate a commitment to working with disadvantaged populations;
- demonstrate an interest in addressing health disparities;
- demonstrate achievement and determination in the face of personal challenges;
- individuals with disabilities (physical or mental) as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act;
- individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds as defined in the Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity;
- attend and/or who are employed at historically black colleges and universities and other minority serving institutions; or
- who graduated from rural high schools, high poverty or low performing high schools.
Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program
Our ACS DICR Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program is an intensive two-year research enrichment program. It prepares diverse biomedical and STEM graduates for professional graduate programs and careers in cancer research. This program includes:
- $30,000 annual fellowship stipend plus health care options
- Tuition for professional development and academic enrichment courses
- Faculty mentoring curated by research area
- In-lab research experience with O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center mentors
- Experiential preparation for graduate and/or medical school
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Trainee membership
- Maximum of four (4) Fellowship awards
Undergraduate Internship Program
Our ACS DICR Internship Program for undergraduates provides diverse students expert mentoring and hands-on learning to nurture their interest in scientific research. The internships include:
- 10-week paid summer internship
- $5000 internship stipend plus housing
- In-lab research experience with O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Mentors
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Trainee Membership
- Maximum of four (4) internships available