​ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

​What is TRIP Explore?

​The Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP) Explore at Fox Chase Cancer Center is a weeklong summer program that offers high school students hands-on experiential learning in lab-based research. TRIP Explore is designed for motivated students eager to explore these fields while developing resilience, communication, and critical thinking skills outside the traditional classroom.

TRIP Explore is divided into three phases: Career Exploration, Experimentation, and Communication.

• Career Exploration: Students meet with professionals at Fox Chase involved with various aspects of the cancer research and healthcare continuum. Students will learn what their job entails and the decisions that lead them to their career choices
• Experimentation: Students conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and learn to navigate challenges—building essential scientific reasoning skills.
• Communication: In the final phase, students present their findings through a recorded presentation and a blog post published on our website, where they share what they learned and experienced during the program to inform and inspire others who may be interested in participating. 

 
In addition to research, students benefit from:

• One-on-one mentoring with Fox Chase faculty
• Team-building and leadership development
• Exposure to careers in science, research, and healthcare
• A supportive community of driven and curious peers

 
Learn more from past participants on TRIP's official blog or follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@TRIPInitiative).

When does the program begin and end?

The 2026 TRIP Explore will offer two sessions at Fox Chase Cancer Center (333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111):

• Session 1: July 6 – July 10
• Session 2: July 20 – July 24

Each session runs from 9 AM to 5 PM.

After completing the in-lab portion, students will:

• Submit a reflection blog summarizing their experiences, experiments, findings, and key takeaways from the program.
• Record a 5-10 minute presentation of their research, which will be published on the TRIP website to share their work with the broader community.

Who is eligible to apply to TRIP?

Philadelphia-area high school students who will be at least 16 years of age by the start of their program session are eligible to apply to TRIP.  Residents of New Jersey and Delaware are also welcome to apply.

Completion of at least one high school Biology or Chemistry course is preferred but not required.  

Students must commit to attend ALL days of the program in either Session 1 or 2. UNEXCUSED ABSENCE (MEANING ANY ABSENCE THAT IS NOT A DOCUMENTED ILLNESS OR PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED AND APPROVED ABSENCE) WILL RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM.

Parents/Guardians must confirm and agree to the attendance policy.

​How to apply to TRIP - the application

​Applications open February 16th, 2026. All application materials are due 5:00 pm on Monday, April 20, 2026. Application and Dropbox submissions automatically close at this time. Late submissions will not be accepted.
 
To apply to TRIP Explore, the applicant must complete this online application and submit their most recent school transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE APPLICATION MAY NOT SAVE IF YOU CLOSE IT PRIOR TO SUBMISSION.  THEREFORE, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU SAVE YOUR RESPONSES IN A SEPARATE PROGRAM IF YOU CANNOT COMPLETE THE APPLICATION IN ONE SESSION. 
 
Upload a School Transcript
Please upload your transcript to: https://www.dropbox.com/request/jsuXCARWROseQuGuDMrf

If you submit a file yourself, please submit the document as "Last name, First name - Transcript"
If you have a file submitted on your behalf (for example, by a school counselor), please ask them to submit the file using the format as described above using your information

Application Review Timeline
Applications and transcripts will be reviewed by a panel of program staff in April-May. Final decisions will be made by early to mid-June 2026.

Please direct all questions to Dr. Theresa Austria at [email protected]. Please use "TRIP Explore 2026" in the subject line of all emails regarding the 2026 summer program.