The Advancing Cornell Career Experiences for Science Students (ACCESS) Summer Internship Program is a 9-week in-person research opportunity designed for undergraduate students aiming to pursue PhD programs. The program runs from June 1st to July 31st, providing participants with intensive hands-on experience in biomedical research laboratories at Weill Cornell Medicine or the Sloan Kettering Institute, under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors. It seeks to enhance students' understanding of modern biology and medical research, and specifically targets a diverse range of PhD-bound undergraduates, including those who are first-generation college students, face socioeconomic disadvantages, have experiences with marginalized individuals or underserved communities, are persons with disabilities, or come from under-resourced educational backgrounds. Participants engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes attending lectures and discussions focused on the current state of biomedical research, exploring pathways into research careers, and understanding various career opportunities. The program incorporates weekly journal clubs to develop critical analysis skills and workshops on preparing for interviews and seminars. Students have the opportunity to choose research projects from eight disciplines, including Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biophysics, & Systems Biology, and Computational Biology and Medicine. The program is located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City, and provides a generous stipend of $6,000, along with up to $500 for travel expenses. On-campus housing is supplied free of charge for students not residing in the New York City area. Towards the end of the program, participants present their research through poster and oral presentations at a celebratory award ceremony and the Leadership Alliance National Symposium. Additionally, professional development sessions cover topics such as PhD applications, conference attendance, networking, and stereotype threat, complemented by community-building activities across New York City.
Program
Organizers: The Leadership Alliance, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences
Hosts: Sloan Kettering Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine
Timeframe: June 1st to July 31st, 2026
Duration: 63 days
Locations: North America, United States, New York City
Study Areas: Computer Science & Information Technology, Life Sciences & Biology, Medical & Health Sciences
Specific Fields: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Bioinformatics & Biotechnology, Genetics & Genomics, Microbiology & Immunology, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Neuroscience & Mental Health, Pharmacology & Biomedical
Application
Criteria: Must be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited public or private college or university in the United States or its territories. Applicants must have completed at least two semesters and have at least one semester remaining of their undergraduate education by the start of the summer program. Must be a documented U.S. citizen or permanent resident; international citizens with an F-1 Visa are not eligible. Applicants must also have individual medical insurance for the duration of the program.
Target Degree: Bachelor
Required Documents:- Statement of Purpose (1000 words max)
- Unofficial Transcript(s)
- Letters of Recommendation (2)
- Resume
Costs & Contact
Stipend: $6,000 and up to $500 for travel expenses. On-campus housing provided free of charge for non-New York City area participants.
Cost: No program fees; participants must have individual medical insurance.
Contact: fea4002@med.cornell.edu
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