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Research Cures Cancer Corps (RC3) Program

The University of Notre Dame’s Harper Cancer Research Institute is providing educational research opportunities for the next generation of cancer researchers and better serve the greater good within the global community.

The Harper Cancer Research Institute at the University of Notre Dame is dedicated to advancing education and research in the field of cancer. This marketable, applied learning opportunity offers hands-on lab experience and individualized mentoring, enhancing problem-solving and leadership skills. 

During the summer, high school students will have the rare opportunity to conduct cancer research alongside University of Notre Dame professors. The experience is part of the Research Cures Cancer Corps (RC3) program from the Harper Cancer Research Institute. The program aims to build a broader pipeline to careers in cancer research, an effort that cancer researchers say is crucial for making cancer treatments effective for all populations. Selected participants will benefit from transformative research experiences.

Program Highlights

  • 8-week program immersive cancer research experience 
  • Enrichment learning opportunities
  • Accepted Scholars receive a $5000 stipend
  • Located on the University of Notre Dame campus
  • Open to current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in good standing enrolled in high schools within St. Joseph County (IN) and surrounding areas.

Notre Dame Research is committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity and ensures that members of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome, and included. We strive to achieve a culture of openness, autonomy, and belonging, making Notre Dame an exceptional place for our team, partners, and collaborators to flourish. Students from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications

The application can be found HERE. 
 
We have extended the application deadline to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026. The first required recommendation form must be completed by a science teacher/professor/academic advisor/counselor. The second optional recommendation is open to any adult at your school or in the community who is not a relative. Request for recommendations will be sent directly to your references before (follow the instructions indicated in the request recommendation section) or upon submission of your application.
 
You are responsible for following up with your references to ensure they received the request and submit your letter by the deadline above. If your primary recommendation from a science teacher/professor/academic advisor/counselor is not received by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, your application will NOT be reviewed.
 
The online application for the current cycle opens on November 3, 2025, and remains open through January 12, 2026. 
 
In addition to personal statements, applicants are required to provide the email address for one STEM teacher as a reference and have the option to provide an email for a second non-relative, adult reference.
 
New this year! The application process now includes an in-person interview component. Interviews will be conducted throughout the month of February. If your application is selected for this next stage, you will have the opportunity to choose from a list of pre-scheduled interview times that best fit your availability.
 
We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of passionate and motivated students to join us in the pursuit of knowledge and advancements in cancer research!
 
Deadline: Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by January 12, 2026. Files that are missing application materials will not be reviewed.
 
APPLY HERE
 
All applicants will be notified of a decision via email no later than March 31, 2026.
  • Program Begins: June 1, 2026
  • Program Ends: July 24, 2026

**Note: There are no high school or college course credits associated with this program.**

Latest Updates

Check out the latest news and updates on RC3 below:

Local students join cancer researchers’ labs for the summer (Notre Dame Research)

South Bend high school students represent the Harper Cancer Research Institute at regional, state, and international science fairs (Notre Dame Research)

High schoolers spend summer conducting cancer research at Notre Dame's Harper Cancer Research Institute (ABC57)

Local high school grad makes strides in cancer research (WSBT22)