About Summer TRIP

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
The Summer Teen Research Internship Program (Summer TRIP) at Fox Chase Cancer Center offers high school students hands-on experiential learning in science and medicine. TRIP is designed for motivated students eager to explore these fields while developing resilience, communication, and critical thinking skills outside the traditional classroom.

Program Structure
Summer TRIP is divided into three phases: Project Design, Experimentation, and Communication.

• Project Design: Students receive assigned experimental conditions to investigate how diet, inflammation, and environmental stress affect organismal health, development, and behavior. They also develop foundational lab and problem-solving skills.
• 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 blog published on our website, connecting their research to real-world applications.

Beyond the Lab
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 and medicine
• A supportive community of driven and curious peers

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

PROGRAM DETAILS: 
The 2025 Summer TRIP will offer two sessions at Fox Chase Cancer Center (333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111):

• Session 1: July 7 – July 11
• Session 2: July 21 – July 25

Each session runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and provides students with hands-on research experience in a professional lab setting.

​After completing the in-lab portion, students will:

• Submit a reflection essay summarizing their experiences, experiments, findings, and key takeaways from the program.
• Record a 3-5 minute presentation of their research, which will be published on the TRIP website to share their work with the broader community.

ELIGIBILITY & ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: 
Who Can Apply?

• Philadelphia-area students who will be at least 14 years old by July 7, 2025
• Current 9th–12th graders
• Residents of New Jersey and Delaware are also eligible

Academic Background

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

Attendance Policy

• Students must attend all program days for either Session 1 or Session 2.
• Unexcused absences (any absence not due to a documented illness or pre-approved circumstance) will result in dismissal from the program.
• A parent/guardian must review and agree to this attendance policy.​

​Application Instructions

TO APPLY:
The following items are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 16th, 2025: 

1. Online Application 
2. School transcript 

​Online Application 
To apply to the next session of TRIP Initiative, complete the online application. We recommend that you download and complete the essay portion of the application in a word processing program and then copy/paste your answers into the online application. The essay questions can be downloaded from the “Download the Essay Questions” button below. 
If you have a question about how to answer a question or have any technical issues with the online application, please email Dr. Theresa Austria ([email protected]). Please use Summer TRIP in the subject line of all emails regarding the 2025 program. 

​Upload a School Transcript 
Please upload your transcript to: https://www.dropbox.com/request/h5e1tex0Iw7RsvGI65R0. 
When you submit a file yourself, please input the following information if prompted by Dropbox: 

1. The name used in your TRIP application, formatted as: Last name, First name 
2. The email address you would like to be contacted at for all TRIP-related communications.

If you have a file submitted on your behalf (for example, by a school counselor), please ask them to submit the file using your name and email address as above if they are prompted for the information. 

APPLICATION REVIEW TIMELINE 
Applications and transcripts will be reviewed by a panel of program staff in March and April. Final decisions will be made by early to mid-May 2025.
Please direct all questions to Dr. Theresa Austria at [email protected]. Please use "Summer TRIP" in the subject line of all emails regarding the 2025 summer program.

Download the
​essay questions

Suggestions for Completing the Application

​We’re looking for motivated and curious students who can think critically and express themselves clearly. You don’t need a high GPA, lab experience, or a long list of achievements—just be yourself. Use this application to show us who you are.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out

• Take your time and answer each question thoughtfully and thoroughly.
• Your responses will be compared to all other applicants--help us understand what makes you unique.
• Be honest. Don’t write what you think we want to hear. Instead, share your real interests, experiences, and motivations.
• Be clear and complete. Don’t make reviewers guess at your meaning--explain your thoughts fully.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Incomplete sentences, spelling errors, and weak responses will hurt your application.
• To avoid mistakes, draft your answers in a word processor before pasting them into the application.
• Have an adult (e.g., a parent, teacher, or mentor) review your application before submission.

Final Reminders

• Use the 250-word limit! This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself—make it count.
• AI-generated responses are not allowed. Applications suspected of using AI may be disqualified.

HAVE QUESTIONS? 
Please direct all questions to Dr. Theresa Austria at [email protected]. Please use "Summer TRIP" in the subject line of all emails regarding the 2025 Summer TRIP.

Start the Application

Submit your Transcripts