- Programs
- CPRIT CURE Summer Undergraduate Program
- CPRTP Summer Research Experience
- DACCPM Summer Research Program
- DISCOVER Program
- High School Summer Program
- ITERT Summer Program
- Medical Student Program in Radiation Oncology
- Med Students SOAR Program
- Neuro-Oncology Clinical Research Summer Program
- Partnership for Careers in Cancer Science and Medicine
- Partnership for Excellence in Cancer Research Summer Program
- STRONGER Scholar Summer Research Experience
- Summer Imaging Research Program
- Summer Program in Cancer Research
- Therapeutics Discovery and Development Internship Program
- University Outreach Summer Programs
- UPWARDS Summer Program
High School Summer Program
Presenting the 65th Annual
Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program
in Biomedical Sciences
sponsored by the School of Health Professions
Program is open ONLY to current Texas high school seniors age 18 + by program start.
June 2 - August 8, 2025
The program introduces interested and qualified young Texans interested in an Allied Health career to a research environment and provides firsthand experiences in the varied career opportunities available at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, the nation's leading cancer research and treatment centers. Up to 12 students will be selected to participate in this 10-week program.
Students selected for the program are given a rare opportunity to participate in a research project in one of the biomedical disciplines under the guidance of a full-time member of the MD Anderson faculty. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the basic principles that form the foundation for scientific investigation.
During the program, students work in MD Anderson laboratories five days a week, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The majority of this time is spent doing actual hands-on work that provides the students with a clear knowledge of exactly what it means to be a biomedical researcher as well as an understanding of the discipline required.
The laboratory experience is supplemented by seminars presented by faculty on a wide variety of research topics and by activities exclusive to participants of all the Summer Programs, which may include an abstract, poster, and elevator speech competitions. At the conclusion of the program, participants will share their experiences during a presentation and a celebration luncheon.
Participants will approach their upcoming college term with an increased awareness and confidence in allied health professions career fields.
*** Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the time they start the program and must be available for the entire 10 weeks, however, we understand some school districts finish school and host commencement during the first week of the program. In this case, an invitee may start the second week and participate the remaining nine weeks. ***
View the Summer Program YouTube Video
Applications Open
Nov. 18, 2024 - Jan. 15, 2025
for current Texas high school seniors (18+ years of age) interested in an allied health career.
Eligibility Criteria
Students applying for the Summer Program must meet the following requirements.
- Preference for a career in an ALLIED HEALTH discipline. Visit the School of Health Professions to view our programs.
- Age of 18+ by the program start date.
- Enrolled in a Texas public, private or charter high school or a Texas home school as a senior-level student during the Spring semester prior to program start.
- Will graduate from high school the spring semester prior to the start of the CATALYST program.
- Accepted into a college or university as a college student during the Fall semester immediately following program conclusion. Preference for a 2-year institution leading to an application in a School of Health Professions program.
- U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or work-eligible visa holders.
- Able to attend the entire program; attendees may be excused up to three days to attend new student orientation at their college or university with permission from BOTH the School of Health Professions and the attendee's mentor.
- Previous laboratory and/or research experience is NOT required.
The review committee will evaluate each application for a demonstration of
- Academic achievement
- Leadership
- Scientific Aptitude
- Service to community and/or school
- Interest in an allied health career
Stipend, Housing, and Expenses
Invitees receive a $6,800 stipend for their participation in the 10-week program ($6,120 if pariticating for nine weeks). This compensation is meant to subsidize cost of living expenses for students and is considered income and subject to all applicable taxes and fees. All participants must secure their own housing and transportation for the duration of the program. Meals are the reponsibility of the participants unless otherwise noted in the Summer Experience program. Other expenses are the particpant's responsibility.
Application and Review Timeline
Nov. 18 Applications open.
Jan. 15 Applications close - no new applications accepted. All documents due for all applicants.
Jan. 16 Application review begins.
Feb. 24 Invitations sent.
Monday, June 2 Summer Program begins. for students graduating before June 2.
Monday, June 9 Summer Program begins for students graduating on or after June 2.
Friday, Aug. 8 Summer Program ends.
Our Labs
Learn more about our faculty and research taking place in our labs.
Conferences
View conferences available for continuing education credit.