K‑12 Programming
We have designed unique educational opportunities for grades K‑12. Working closely with local schools, students receive mentorship and hands-on experience to encourage a continued or future interest in science.
Programs Designed for K‑12 Students
We want to show the next generation that there are wide-ranging career paths in cancer research. Our education programming is focused on mentoring, developing, and fostering interest in an ever-evolving cancer workforce.
VOICES Program
Volunteer Outreach in Cancer Education and Science
This program is hosted by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) trainees who work with Metro Nashville Public Elementary Schools (MNPS) educators. Our community partner is four 3rd-grade classrooms at Chadwell Elementary School that have demonstrated a need for scientific support.
The VOICES program is designed to spark scientific curiosity in local elementary students through fun, hands-on scientific, technologic, engineering, mathematics, and medical (STEMM) activities. The sessions are designed and led by near-peer Vanderbilt trainees with the goal of mentorship and learning about education for the volunteers, all the while sparking interest in scientific discovery in elementary age students in Nashville.
Program Director: Ray Blind, PhD
Information for Interested Vanderbilt Volunteers
Eligible Volunteers
- Undergraduate, graduate, postbaccalaureate students, and post-doctoral fellows at any level of appointment
Program Benefits
- Meaningful engagement with the Nashville community
- Collaboration with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Leadership
- Opportunity to attend 1-3 professional development sessions
- Travel stipend for each session
Program Commitment
- Facilitators are expected to attend six total 45-minute hands-on experiments at Chadwell Elementary School
- 1-hour “Learn the Experiment” lesson before each classroom session
HERO Program
The Healthcare Experience and Research in Oncology (HERO) Summer Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and seeks to increase participation in biomedical fields, especially cancer research and medicine, by empowering high school students within VICC’s catchment area with experiences, activities, and discussions that introduce them to the incredible breadth of career and leadership opportunities in the field of oncology. This program is completely virtual and does not have any required in-person components.
Program Director: Kim Dahlman, PhD
Participating Institutions:
- Huntsman Cancer Institute
- Massey Cancer Center
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The James (The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center)
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Benefits
- A stipend of $500 for each student who completes the program
- The opportunity to connect and work collaboratively with other high school students from across the country
- Two weeks of enriching online programming including presentations, panel discussions, and guided, hands- on learning with research and medical professionals
- Mentorship from prominent faculty in the fields of oncology and academic medicine
Eligibility
- Must be a rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior in Tennessee or southern Kentucky
- Must commit to 4 hours of virtual meetings Monday through Friday for two weeks in the summer during the specified dates
- Students who are interested in scientific investigation and eager to learn will benefit most from the program
Dates & Admission
The virtual program runs from June 14-25, 2027; Monday-Friday, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm CDT.
The optional in-person Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center campus visit day date will be shared after acceptance to the program.
The application window for summer of 2027 is October 1, 2026 through January 4, 2027 by 11:59 PM (CST).
For More Information
Testimonials
Testimonials submitted by 2025 program participants.
Hands-on Experiments
“I really enjoyed the HERO Cancer program at Vanderbilt-Ingram because it gave me the chance to explore science through hands on experiments and engaging activities. Today's meetup at Vanderbilt was especially amazing, I loved connecting with everyone and hearing from inspiring guest speakers. The program taught me so much new information about cancer and health that I had never learned before. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that made me even more excited about science and healthcare.”
Inspiring My Future
“This program was so much fun! I learned so much over the past few weeks, got to do experiments I never would have thought of doing, and got to hear from amazing oncologists who inspire me to go into oncology someday. Thank you so much for this experience, and I'm so glad I got the chance to be a part of this amazing program!”
Fostering Teamwork
“I was able to foster teamwork while also being an individual who explored a new career pathway.”
Eye-Opening & Educational
“It was an eye-opening and educational experience in which I learned a lot about cancer research and clinical trials.”
Unforgettable Experience
“I feel much more informed about my options for a future career in cancer research or medicine. I have loved getting to know the faculty and students and will never forget this experience.”