Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology (SHE) program participants with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center team members and former SHE participant Cathalene Barlow, a Tennessee State University undergraduate student (on right wearing black top with bright colors), who participated in a panel discussion. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
For two weeks this summer, 30 high school students were glued to their screens.
But instead of scrolling social media or streaming videos, they were learning about the world of cancer research and medicine through the Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology (SHE) program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
More than a summer virtual learning program, SHE gives students an opportunity to explore meaningful careers in STEM, cancer research and cancer care, and envision their place in the future of medicine. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship and exposure to leading researchers and clinicians, they gain valuable insight into the discoveries and innovations shaping the future of cancer care.
Program Director Kimberly Dahlman, PhD, said, “SHE bridges the gap between curiosity and real-world opportunity through a two-week virtual curriculum, an immersive campus visit day, and year-round professional development.
“Participants build core scientific knowledge through interactive instruction and team-based research simulations. They also explore a range of careers in cancer research and clinical care, gaining insight into pathways in medicine, public health and biomedical science,” she said.
Nearly 160 students from 58 high schools applied this year across the entire region served by Vanderbilt-Ingram, which spans Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky. Twenty-five girls and five boys were accepted.
Throughout the school year, program engagement continues and includes virtual workshops in partnership with peer programs and opportunities to connect with mentors.
The program is financially supported by the American Cancer Society and Vanderbilt-Ingram.
Growth and Milestones in Year 5
Since its inception in 2022, SHE has scaled its impact dramatically. The 2022 cohort welcomed 20 students from Davidson County, Tennessee-based high schools, selected from over 70 applicants.
In 2023, the program received institutional support, which allowed the cancer center to expand recruitment across the full region served by Vanderbilt-Ingram and increase capacity from 20 to 30 students.
For the 2026 program year, Vanderbilt-Ingram received 158 applications from 31 counties.
Additional funding from Vanderbilt-Ingram helps cover expenses such as travel stipends and meals so that students outside Nashville, particularly those who live in rural areas, can experience the Vanderbilt Health Main Campus firsthand.
Students gave the program high ratings and provided positive feedback:
- 100% of respondents said the program provided them with a clear understanding of key cancer research principles.
- 94% of alumni that are currently enrolled in college stated that their current major or concentration was in a biomedical field.
- 9.1 was the average score on a scale of 1-10 for program impact.
One attendee shared, “(SHE) gave me the chance to explore science. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that made me even more excited about science and health care.”
Another participant said, “I feel much more informed about my options for a future career in cancer research or medicine. I will never forget this experience.”
To help grow or support the program, make gifts online at https://bit.ly/viccshe. When making a gift, please select “Other” under “What would you like your donation to support?” Then in the comment field below, please write in “Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology.”
Applications for the 2027 program open Monday, Sept. 28.
