Education

The Ellison Institute Research Foundation is passionate about education. From empowering patients with the knowledge and resources that help extend their healthy years, to inspiring the next generation of scientists and clinicians to enter the health and science fields, education is central to our vision.

Education Programs

Junior Scholars

Formerly known as Junior Fellows, Junior Scholars is a unique, three-week summer fellowship for rising high school seniors interested in clinical or research oncology, designed to foster a lifelong passion for scientific education.

About the Program

We believe that passion, coupled with outstanding aptitude, are the hallmarks for success.

Junior Scholars represents a key part of the Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders and equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in this rapidly evolving global landscape. This program fosters scientific education by incorporating hands-on experimentation in a collaborative environment.

Information Sessions

Join us for a virtual information session to explore the Junior Scholars program and gain insights on the application process directly from a program representative.

Tuesday, Jan. 14
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. PST

Register now
Join via Zoom

Wednesday, Feb. 12
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. PST

Register now
Join via Zoom

Apply Now

Applications for the 2025 Junior Scholars program are now open until March 3, 2025!

We welcome applications from all high schools for this free fellowship program. Applicants must be current 11th grade students to be eligible.

You can view examples of personal statements here: (1) (2) (3).

Building a Community Around STEM Education

Hear from Dr. David Agus, Founding CEO at the Ellison Medical Institute; Dr. Kian Kani, Faculty and Senior Director of Education and Outreach, at the Ellison Medical Institute; and Junior Scholars alumni as they share the goals of the program, the community we’re building around STEM education, and the impact it’s having on students.

The Junior Scholars Experience with Alumna Skylar Long

Dr. Kian Kani, Faculty and Senior Direction of Education and Outreach at the Ellison Medical Institute, sat down with Skylar Long, a 2017 alumna of the program, to talk about her experience as a Junior Scholar, how it helped her make the decision to go to Physician Assistant school, and how it recently brought her back to the Institute for her Oncology PA rotation. Watch their full conversation above.

Program Highlights

 

  • Hands-on learning with state-of-the-art laboratory instruments
  • Engaging with clinical experts (oncologists, physician assistants, nurses, clinical trials, etc.)
  • Learning about the applications of AI in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes
  • Team-based problem-solving
  • Required writing component
  • Integrating students with STEAM interests from public and private high schools
  • Post-fellowship guidance with career choices, college applications, and personal statements

Building Tours

Schedule a tour of the Institute’s state-of-the-art research facility on Los Angeles’ Westside below.

We currently have limited capacity for tours of our West Los Angeles facility. For all inquiries, please reach out to our Education team at [email protected].