Education
Education is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, from giving patients the tools and knowledge to live healthier, longer lives, to inspiring the next generation of scientists and clinicians to pursue careers in health and science.
Education Programs
Junior Scholars
Formerly known as Junior Fellows, Junior Scholars is a unique, three-week summer fellowship for rising high school seniors interested in clinical or research oncology, designed to foster a lifelong commitment to scientific education.
About the Program
We believe that passion, coupled with outstanding aptitude, are the hallmarks for success.
Established in 2010, the Junior Scholars program represents a key part of the Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Program Dates: June 25 – July 17, 2026
Application Dates: Dec. 15, 2025 – March 9, 2026
Cost: Free for all students
Apply Now
The Junior Scholars application for the 2026 program is now open. Applications will be accepted through March 9, 2026.
Information Sessions
Join us for a virtual information session to explore the Junior Scholars program and gain insights on the application process directly from a program representative.
Tuesday, Jan. 13
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. PST
Wednesday, Feb. 11
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. PST
Building a Community Around STEM Education
Hear from Dr. David Agus, Founding CEO at the Ellison Medical Institute; Dr. Kian Kani, Faculty and Senior Director of Education and Outreach, at the Ellison Medical Institute; and Junior Scholars alumni as they share the goals of the program, the community we’re building around STEM education, and the impact it’s having on students.
The Junior Scholars Experience with Alumna Skylar Long
Dr. Kian Kani, Faculty and Senior Direction of Education and Outreach at the Ellison Medical Institute, sat down with Skylar Long, a 2017 alumna of the program, to talk about her experience as a Junior Scholar, how it helped her make the decision to go to Physician Assistant school, and how it recently brought her back to the Institute for her Oncology PA rotation. Watch their full conversation above.
Program Highlights
- Hands-on learning with state-of-the-art laboratory instruments
- Engaging with clinical experts (oncologists, physician assistants, nurses, clinical trials team, etc.)
- Learning about the applications of AI in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes
- Team-based problem-solving
- Required writing component
- Required team presentation
- Integrating students with STEAM interests from public and private high schools
- Post-fellowship guidance with career choices, college applications, and personal statements
- Access to mentorship opportunities with program alumni
Building Tours
Schedule a tour of the Institute’s state-of-the-art research facility on Los Angeles’ Westside below.
We currently have limited capacity for tours of our West Los Angeles facility. For all inquiries, please reach out to our Education team at [email protected].