Dana-Farber Internships for Students: A Comprehensive Guide
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute offers a variety of internship programs for students at different academic levels, from high school to graduate school. These programs provide valuable opportunities to gain practical experience in cancer research, healthcare, and administration. These internships are designed to foster the next generation of leaders in the fight against cancer and related fields.
Overview of Internship Opportunities
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and its affiliated partners, such as UMass Boston and the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), actively support student training through various programs. These programs aim to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in scientific research, particularly in cancer and health promotion.
UMass Boston - DF/HCC Partnership Programs
The UMass Boston - DF/HCC Partnership offers several training programs designed to develop skills needed to excel in scientific research, specifically in the area of cancer and health promotion.
Outreach Core (OC) Internships
The Outreach Core (OC) provides paid summer research and outreach opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and postbaccalaureate students interested in cancer, public health, and community outreach. OC interns are selected and matched with an internship site based on their interests. Placement options include DF/HCC community-based research labs, community-based organizations, or faith-based organizations in the Boston area or Lawrence, MA. Applications are currently closed for summer 2025.
Research Education Core (REC) Internships
The Research Education Core (REC) offers paid summer research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students interested in cancer research. Trainees are matched and placed at UMass Boston or DF/HCC research labs based on their interests. Applications are currently closed for summer 2025.
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Young Empowered Students for Continued Research Engagement (YES for CURE)
YES for CURE is a two-and-a-half-year training program for high school and undergraduate students interested in a career in science or research. Applications are currently closed.
Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Summer Program
The CURE program introduces high school and college students to the world of cancer research by placing them in real research settings at local cancer research institutions. Applications for the Summer 2025 program are now closed. The CURE program is also involved in fundraising activities, such as the Jimmy Fund Walk on October 5, 2025.
Dana-Farber's Office of Workforce Development
Dana-Farber's Office of Workforce Development runs initiatives that provide young people from the Boston public school system with professional experience in health care.
Student Training Program
The Student Training Program is offered as both an academic-year commitment and a summer opportunity. Through this program, students gain valuable professional and personal skills while developing positive community through mentorship, student retreats, and college tours. These are paid opportunities.
Summer Administrative Internship Program
Dana-Farber offers a paid Summer Administrative Internship Program for qualified graduate students and rising undergraduate seniors. Interns commit to ten weeks, typically from early June to early August. The goal of this internship is to provide high-potential individuals who demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, diversity, and health equity with the opportunity to further develop their leadership and analytical skills.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Dana-Farber also provides numerous volunteer opportunities for individuals looking to contribute to the institute's mission. These roles offer valuable experience in a healthcare setting and direct interaction with patients and their families.
Ambassador Program
Volunteers in the Ambassador Program ensure patients and their loved ones feel comfortable and supported during their time at Dana-Farber. They guide and accompany patients to their appointments, provide clear directions, and offer helpful information. This role requires individuals who are friendly, caring, approachable, and have excellent communication skills.
E-Advisor
E-Advisors provide valuable feedback, share ideas, and offer insights from the perspective of a patient, family member, or caregiver. This virtual role involves contributing to the design and enhancement of programs, services, policies, and processes. E-Advisors may also participate in research, advocate for legislative initiatives, and review patient education materials.
Hands-on Care Volunteer
Hands-on Care Volunteers provide complimentary hand massages to adult patients during their infusion treatment days. Volunteers are trained by a licensed oncology massage therapist from the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrated Therapies and Healthy Living. This role requires compassion, warmth, sensitivity to emotional needs, and the ability to follow directions.
Marjorie and Betty Ann Blum Pediatric Resource Room Volunteer
Volunteers in the Marjorie and Betty Ann Blum Pediatric Resource Room assist in a comfortable learning center for Pediatric Oncology parents, patients, and their families. The room houses a collection of books, brochures, laptops, iPads, and a music room, as well as crafts, games, and toys for all ages. Volunteers help patients and families access resources and provide support.
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Adult Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFAC)
PFAC members are cancer survivors, caregivers, or family members who advocate for others. They provide feedback, generate ideas, and offer insight from a patient or family/caregiver perspective. PFAC members advise on projects and initiatives across Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in partnership with Institute staff and leadership.
Resource Cart Volunteer
Resource Cart Volunteers provide newspapers, magazines, mobile games, and other resources to patients in adult clinics. They also offer information about Dana-Farber programs and services. This role requires excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing support to patients and their families.
Retail Hospitality Volunteer
Volunteers in the Retail Hospitality role help create a warm, welcoming environment in the Friends' Corner Gift Shop and Friends' Place. They assist patients, families, and staff by answering questions, making product recommendations, and helping with displays. This role requires individuals who are friendly, approachable, and service-oriented.
New Patient Greeter Volunteer
New Patient Greeter Volunteers reach out to patients visiting Dana-Farber locations for the first time, providing them with insight and answers to questions about resources and navigation. This role requires great communication skills and the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Department of Communications and Marketing Internship
Dana-Farber's Department of Communications and Marketing offers internships to students interested in gaining experience in a full-service, in-house communications and marketing agency. Interns work with specialized teams to understand the various roles and functions within the department.
Fellowship Programs
Dana-Farber is committed to training fellows who will become world-class leaders in clinical, translational, basic science, or cross-cutting research. The program strongly supports both laboratory research and clinical investigation pathways.
Research Training
Fellows typically complete a year of intensive clinical training in hematology/oncology before entering a research training program. The program is supported by institutional training grants. Fellows are provided with protected research time and are encouraged to limit clinical work to an average of one clinic day per week. Dana-Farber is committed to funding three years of research training for all fellows.
Identifying Research Projects and Mentors
Identifying a research project and mentor suited to fostering each fellow’s passions and career interests is a major focus of the program. Fellows are encouraged to begin reading and discussing possibilities with potential mentors during the year before they begin their clinical fellowship.
Research Opportunities
Fellows have the opportunity to train in outstanding laboratories throughout the Boston area, including those at Harvard Medical School, MIT, the Whitehead Institute, and other leading institutions. The object of the training program is to provide research experiences and scholarly research training in hematology/oncology, so as to render trainees independent investigators making substantive contributions to biomedical research. Newer areas of focus include embryonic stem cells, single-cell analyses, gene therapy/genome editing, high-throughput chemical and genetic screens, and experimental therapeutics.
Clinical Research Training
The goal of clinical research training for hematology/oncology fellows is to produce leading clinical scientists in pediatric hematology/oncology. Clinically-based research within the program is broadly defined as any research that impacts on clinical outcomes and experiences of children with cancer, hematologic diseases, or those diseases benefitting from stem cell transplant or cellular therapies.
Clinical and Translational Investigational Program (CTIP)
To facilitate clinical research, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's has established the Clinical and Translational Investigational Program (CTIP). CTIP includes protocol specialists, statisticians, clinical research associates, and clinical research nurses.
Core Didactic Training
Fellows who come without substantial research methods training are encouraged to participate in formal research training programs, such as the Program in Clinical Effectiveness at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). Additional options for core didactic training are available through Harvard Catalyst (The Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center).
Translational Research Training
In addition to studies in basic and/or clinical research, additional training is available for fellows interested in translational research. This includes coursework available at Boston Children’s Hospital through the Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research (ICCTR).
Grant Writing Skills
Fellows are expected to compete for external grants with advice and assistance from their mentors. The program provides comprehensive support and guidance throughout the grant application process.
Key Programs and Opportunities
The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Program
The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Program is a full-time, paid, rigorous summer research internship for students interested in pursuing a career in scientific research. Through mentored summer cancer research projects, scientific and professional skills training, and networking and social events, students acquire scientific knowledge and technical skills.
Research Experience
Each student is paired with a research mentor for a hands-on, authentic research experience. Students learn new scientific knowledge, acquire technical skills, and experience the process of scientific discovery.
Professional Development
The CURE program provides a comprehensive orientation program to prepare students for success in professional environments, particularly in scientific research at academic hospitals.
Networking and Community
Students have opportunities to expand personal and professional networks through career networking roundtables, informational interviews, and social events.
Workforce Development Student Training Program
Dana-Farber’s Workforce Development Student Training Program offers both academic-year and summer opportunities. Students gain professional and personal skills through mentorship, student retreats, and college tours.
Summer Administrative Internship Program
The Summer Administrative Internship Program provides high-potential individuals with the opportunity to further develop their leadership and analytical skills. Interns work on major initiatives impacting the Institute.
Benefits of Internships at Dana-Farber
Interning at Dana-Farber offers numerous benefits, including:
- Hands-on Experience: Interns gain practical experience in their field of interest.
- Mentorship: Interns are paired with experienced professionals who provide guidance and support.
- Networking: Interns have the opportunity to network with professionals in the field.
- Skill Development: Interns develop valuable professional and personal skills.
- Community Engagement: Interns contribute to the Dana-Farber community and mission.
How to Apply
The application process for internships at Dana-Farber varies depending on the program. It is essential to visit the Dana-Farber website or the websites of affiliated partners like UMass Boston and DF/HCC for specific application instructions and deadlines. Generally, applications include a resume, cover letter, and transcripts. Some programs may also require letters of recommendation or personal essays.
Standing Out as an Applicant
To stand out as an applicant for Dana-Farber internships, consider the following:
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any previous research, volunteer, or work experience that aligns with the internship's focus.
- Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Express Your Passion: Convey your genuine interest in cancer research, healthcare, or administration.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter to match the specific requirements of each internship.
- Seek Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and potential.
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