About TRIP Explore
What is TRIP Explore?
The Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP) Explore 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 biomedical research while developing resilience, communication, and critical thinking skills outside the traditional classroom.
TRIP Explore is divided into three phases: Career Exploration, Experimentation, and Communication.
In addition to research, students benefit from:
When does the program begin and end?
Two sessions of TRIP Explore will be offered at Fox Chase Cancer Center (333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111) during the summer of 2026:
Students must commit to attend ALL days of the program in either Session 1 or 2. Parents/Guardians must confirm and agree to the attendance policy. Failure to comply will result in dismissal from the program.
Who is eligible to apply to TRIP Explore?
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 for TRIP Explore. Residents of New Jersey and Delaware are also welcome to apply.
The Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP) Explore 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 biomedical research 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 from Fox Chase across the cancer research and healthcare continuum. Students will learn about the professionals’ jobs 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 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 peer
When does the program begin and end?
Two sessions of TRIP Explore will be offered at Fox Chase Cancer Center (333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111) during the summer of 2026:
- Session 1: July 6 – July 10
- Session 2: July 20 – July 24
Students must commit to attend ALL days of the program in either Session 1 or 2. Parents/Guardians must confirm and agree to the attendance policy. Failure to comply will result in dismissal from the program.
Who is eligible to apply to TRIP Explore?
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 for TRIP Explore. Residents of New Jersey and Delaware are also welcome to apply.
Application Instructions
TO APPLY:
The following items are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20th, 2026:
Online Application
To apply to the next session of TRIP Explore, 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 "TRIP Explore" in the subject line of all emails regarding the program.
Upload a School Transcript
Please upload your transcript to: https://www.dropbox.com/request/jsuXCARWROseQuGuDMrf.
When you submit a file yourself, please submit your 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 your name as above.
APPLICATION REVIEW TIMELINE
Applications and transcripts will be reviewed by a panel of program staff in April. Final decisions will be made by early to mid-May.
Please direct all questions to Dr. Theresa Austria at [email protected]. Please use "TRIP Explore" in the subject line of all emails regarding the program.
The following items are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20th, 2026:
- Online Application
- School transcript
Online Application
To apply to the next session of TRIP Explore, 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 "TRIP Explore" in the subject line of all emails regarding the program.
Upload a School Transcript
Please upload your transcript to: https://www.dropbox.com/request/jsuXCARWROseQuGuDMrf.
When you submit a file yourself, please submit your 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 your name as above.
APPLICATION REVIEW TIMELINE
Applications and transcripts will be reviewed by a panel of program staff in April. Final decisions will be made by early to mid-May.
Please direct all questions to Dr. Theresa Austria at [email protected]. Please use "TRIP Explore" in the subject line of all emails regarding the program.
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
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Final Reminders
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please direct all questions to Dr. Theresa Austria at [email protected]. Please use "TRIP Explore" in the subject line of all emails regarding the program.
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 superficial 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 "TRIP Explore" in the subject line of all emails regarding the program.
