American Cancer Society Undergraduate Internship and Post-baccalaureate Programs

The American Cancer Society Center for Innovation in Cancer Research Training (ACS CICRT) supports three distinguished predoctoral research programs at the Perelman School of Medicine. Through this funding, students engage in cutting-edge cancer research and prepare for advanced academic and professional pathways, including medical school and biomedical graduate studies. 

Penn Access Summer Scholars (PASS)

PASS is a premier premedical enrichment program designed to attract and support exceptional students with the potential to make a lasting impact in the field of medicine. Through this program, PASS scholars spend two consecutive summers immersed in academic and research experiences on Penn’s campus. Those sponsored by the American Cancer Society are matched with a faculty mentor from the Abramson Cancer Center and engage in groundbreaking research across basic, clinical/translational, and/or community-focused cancer studies. This partnership empowers future leaders in medicine to advance cancer research while preparing for their own distinguished careers in healthcare and biomedical science.

Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) 

The University of Pennsylvania Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) offers exceptional students a transformative 10-week research experience in the biomedical sciences. This immersive program provides hands-on training in cutting-edge laboratories, mentorship from leading scientists, and exposure to the vibrant Penn research community. Scholars sponsored by the American Cancer Society gain an opportunity to learn from faculty mentors at the Abramson Cancer Center and participate in additional lectures addressing contemporary challenges and breakthroughs in cancer research and care.  

Penn Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PennPREP)

PennPREP offers a highly structured, one- to two-year research experience for postbaccalaureate scholars who are preparing to pursue a doctoral degree (PhD or MD-PhD) in the biomedical sciences. This prestigious program provides guided mentorship, intensive laboratory training, and professional development. Scholars sponsored by the American Cancer Society gain an extraordinary opportunity to learn from leading cancer researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center, contributing to innovative projects that advance the understanding and treatment of cancer. They also attend an annual national meeting at the American Cancer Society for peer networking and career development.