The Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) program seeks to encourage youth from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences to pursue cancer research and healthcare careers.
RUYES Newsletter
The June 2024 edition of the RUYES Newsletter is available.
To achieve this goal, RUYES will:
- Engage high school science teachers in mentored cancer research and provide curriculum development support to create novel instructional approaches for teachers to take to classrooms.
- Inspire, motivate and educate high school and undergraduate students through mentored cancer research training, co-curricular support and professional development activities.
- Connect with middle school students and their families in their communities through innovative outreach activities to enhance awareness and appreciation of science education and research careers.
The RUYES program is generously funded by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute grant 1R25CA247785.
Informational Flyers: Mentored Cancer Research
Teachers, high school students and undergraduates are invited to apply for Mentored Cancer Research through RUYES at Rutgers Cancer Institute. Learn more and join us for an informational session by viewing the appropriate flyer below:
Applying to Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES)
Application Portal for Summer 2025 opened November 4th*.
*Students must first complete the Qualifying Survey prior to application submission.
Early Decision February 23rd
Applications close March 8th but will be accepted until positions filled.
Students must complete the Qualifying Survey to determine eligibility.
Anticipated Program Dates for 2025*:
- Undergrad Students: Monday, June 16, 2025 through August 22, 2025
- High School Students: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 through August 27, 2025
- Teachers: Thursday, June 26, 2025 through August 22, 2025
*Dates may be modified. Please check back in January 2025.
Information for Students
Students in the RUYES program will:
- Receive hands-on training in cutting-edge cancer research.
- Conduct research in mentor-supervised laboratories for 10 weeks per summer for two consecutive years; Approximately 35 hours/week for 10 weeks of research during EACH summer.
- Prepare a poster and a 10-minute talk based on their research experience for presentation at the Annual Research Day.
- Complete approximately 7 hours/month of post-summer professional development and community engagement activities (flexible schedule, 70 hours total each year) for two years.
- Participate in educational seminars addressing key concepts in cancer and exploring the research literature.
- Receive compensation for their time and other possible expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the RUYES program a student must be:
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A rising high school junior/senior or rising freshman/sophomore undergraduate
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From one of the following underrepresented backgrounds:
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African American
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Hispanic/Latino
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Native American
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Alaska Native
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Pacific Islander
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A first generation college student
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From a lower socioeconomic background
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A citizen or permanent resident (green-card holder) of the United States
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Willing to commit to two full years of participation in the program
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Highly motivated and academically able to pursue a career in biomedical/cancer science
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Must attend a school or university in New Jersey
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Must turn 16 by June 15th
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All applicants accepted to the RUYES Program, must be vaccinated as per Rutgers Policy. Further information can be found here.
Eligibility requirements as determined by the NIH. Please visit the Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity for more information.
How to Apply
To complete your application, you will also need:
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Full student contact information (name, email, phone number, name of school district) and personal demographics. High school students will need consent of a parent/guardian.
You should also be prepared to upload the following documents:
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A copy of your transcripts. An unofficial transcript will be accepted for the application process; upon acceptance please prepare to have your school send your official transcripts.
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Respond to the Personal Statement addressing the following questions and citing specifics when possible.
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Describe your favorite learning experience. (This does not have to be limited to school experience.)
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Discuss your long-term educational and career and goals.
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What do you plan on gaining from this research experience?
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How do you believe this research experience will benefit your professional goals?
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One Recommendation Form from a teacher, college professor, or college faculty member. (References should submit their completed forms directly to RUYES team via email RUYES@cinj.rutgers.edu).
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Updated resume.
Ready to apply? Have you completed the Qualifying Survey? If not, please do so first.
For assistance or additional information, contact RUYES@cinj.rutgers.edu.
Information for Teachers
Participating teachers will:
- Engage in basic, clinical, or population-based mentored cancer research and professional development for 8 weeks each summer (approximately 30 hours/week) for two consecutive years.
- Complete approximately 12 hours/month of post summer professional development and community engagement activities (flexible schedule, approximately 120 hours total each year) for two consecutive years.
- Receive curriculum development support to design innovative curricula they can take back to their classrooms.
- Create a cancer-focused science module and Back to School Night type outreach event for middle/high school students.
- Present their research findings at an Annual Symposium.
- Receive compensation for their time and other possible expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the RUYES program a teacher must be:
- Currently teaching high school science.
- Dedicated to encouraging students to pursue STEM fields, particularly biomedical, cancer research.
- Interested in developing and implementing curricular activities to engage students in science research.
- Willing to commit to two years of participation in the program for a period equivalent to three months of full time effort per year.
- A citizen or permanent resident (green-card holder) of the United States.
- All applicants accepted to the RUYES Program, must be vaccinated as per Rutgers Policy. Further information can be found here.
How to Apply
To complete your application, you will be asked to include:
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To complete your application, you will be asked to include your full contact information, the name of your school district, and your school’s classification.
You should be prepared to:
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Respond to the following questions in a Personal Statement:
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Describe your favorite learning experience. (This does not have to be limited to school experience.)
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Discuss your long-term educational and career and goals.
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What do you plan on gaining from this research experience?
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How do you plan on incorporating cancer lessons into your curriculum?
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Upload your up-to-date resume
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Provide a Reference
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One reference from your principal or science supervisor is needed (email & phone number is required). They must complete the form below in support of your participation and agree to the use of the developed curriculum within the classroom. The form should be emailed directly to RUYES@cinj.rutgers.edu
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Ready to Apply?
For assistance or additional information, contact RUYES@cinj.rutgers.edu.
What Is It Like to Participate in RUYES?
Community Outreach Events
Teachers and students participating in RUYES will develop cancer relevant modules for outreach to middle and high schools across New Jersey.
Outreach events will be presented together with the Rutgers Science Explorer program at the Office of STEM Education.
Faculty Mentors
Explore RUYES mentors and learn more about their current research activities.
For inquiries about being placed in a specific researcher's lab, please contact RUYES coordinators via email.
Annual Research Symposium
Our annual research symposium provides an opportunity to participants and their mentors to showcase the research completed within the program. This year, we welcomed participants to Enter the Door Towards Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility.
Union City Students & Teachers Participate In Rutgers Cancer Institute Research Symposium
Among the participants at the last Rutgers Cancer Institute Research Symposium were two Jose Marti STEM Academy students and two Union City teachers. Learn more about ongoing cancer research projects.
Contact Us
For assistance or additional information, contact RUYES@cinj.rutgers.edu.