Frequently asked questions about the Empower Fellowship

Q: Who may apply?

  • Have previously attended the Cancer Research Discovery Day tour of Fox Chase Cancer Center,
  • Be a current University of Delaware student in the College of Arts and Sciences in good academic standing,
  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age,
  • Pass a mandatory health and drug screening, and background check,
  • Have relevant immunizations, including a two-step screening for PPD, flu and COVID vaccinations,
  • Agree to complete all homework by assigned due dates, and
  • Commit to work full time for 10 consecutive weeks at Fox Chase Cancer Center

Q: When does the fellowship begin and end?
This summer fellowship begins in early June and ends in mid-August. The final symposium occurs in mid- to late-August.

Q: How do students apply?
Students complete an online application and submit a current transcript.  Finalists will be interviewed prior to selection. Applications will be available in mid-November and due in mid-January 2022.. 

Q: How much does the fellowship cost?
Fox Chase Cancer Center believes it is critical to provide training for any and all motivated students regardless of a student’s financial status. Students receive free housing and are paid a stipend of $4500 for ten weeks of full-time work.  The fellowship and housing are equally supported by the University of Delaware’s College of Arts and Sciences, Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Office of Academic Affairs, and philanthropy.

Q: What can students expect during the fellowship?
The fellowship provides a unique opportunity for students to learn whether scientific research is an appealing career path and to acquire many important life skills that will be useful regardless of future career choices.  Each student will join a research lab and receive one-on-one mentoring with a research scientist.  Students are expected to complete a research project and present their findings at the end-of-fellowship culminating event in mid-August.  In addition to time in the lab, students meet weekly with fellowship staff to focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, professional and career development as well as written and oral communication skills.  Students are also expected to attend a weekly career development seminar series as well as serve as near-peer mentors for visiting student groups.

For more information about the Empower Fellowship, contact Dr. Amanda Purdy, Director of Academic Affairs, [email protected]

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