The application for the 2026 TRIP Explore program at Fox Chase Cancer Center is now OPEN
Applications due April 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
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.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
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 peers
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
Each session runs from 9 AM to 5 PM.
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.
Who is eligible to apply to TRIP?
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. Residents of New Jersey and Delaware are also welcome to apply.
How to apply to TRIP - the application
Complete the online application and submit a school transcript. All application materials are due at 5:00 pm on Monday, April 20, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Application Review Timeline
Applications and transcripts will be reviewed by a panel of program staff in April-May. Final decisions will be made by early to mid-June 2026.
Please direct all questions to Dr. Theresa Austria at [email protected]. Please use "TRIP Explore 2026" in the subject line of all emails regarding the TRIP Explore Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
The Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP) at Fox Chase is a recognized Educational Improvement Organization (EIO) under the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC) of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Businesses who support Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP) may be eligible for a tax credit through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. Learn more here.
To make a personal tax-deductible contribution to support TRIP, please visit donate.foxchase.org/TRIP or download the brochure.