Jump-Starting a New Generation of Researchers: BEYOND ALBERT High School Research Program Now Available for Bronx Students Year-Round

A pilot summer program designed to give minority students experience in laboratory research has been expanded into a year-round program—after it was so successful, participating high schoolers asked for it to continue into the school year.

The high school research program, BEYOND ALBERT (Bronx Einstein Youth Oncology Network Dedicated to Academic Learning, Biomedical Education and Research Training), which was developed by the Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center (MECC) and the Montefiore School Health Program, provides Bronx high school students aged 16 years and up the chance to participate in research conducted at our cancer center laboratories

“The majority of students joining the program are from underrepresented backgrounds—first generation college applicants who can greatly benefit from the opportunity to participate in hands-on research and career development activities, said Kristina Ames, PhD, Assistant Director, Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination, Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, and Assistant Professor, Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “Our goal is to encourage them to consider careers in biomedical sciences and increase the number of underrepresented students in the field.”

The eight-week summer program, which is supported by the MECC, is structured around five pillars: scientific education, hypothesis-based research, career and professional development, scientific communication and college readiness. The seven BEYOND ALBERT students last summer worked full time, Monday through Friday. To keep the program accessible, participants received a $2,500 stipend as well as a daily meal voucher for lunch and a metro card for transportation.

“I really enjoyed this program and being exposed to scientific research,” said Marvin Gutierrez, 17, a senior at Fordham High School for the Arts in the Bronx. “I know it worked to push me toward a scientific career.”

Over the summer, students spent 175 hours in the lab, where they learned about the process of scientific research, how to complete their work assignments and how to manage their own projects. They attended workshops on analyzing the results of their research and effectively presenting their findings in written and oral forms. At the end of the summer, each student had 10 minutes to present research to the entire MECC community, followed by a question-and-answer session.

“They did an amazing job,” Dr. Ames said. “They professionally presented their research projects and answered the questions. We were all very proud of their accomplishments.”

Additionally, BEYOND ALBERT arranged panel discussions with MD, PhD and MD-PhD candidates so the students could ask questions about career choices and get tips about future education options.

“They were so excited about the program and so sad it was ending that we came up with the plan to continue as an after-school program,” said Dr. Ames.

After completing the summer session, students can choose to participate in the after-school program, which meets for two hours on Thursdays, September through May. The biomedical workshops continue, but a greater emphasis falls on college and professional readiness. That includes working with a college coach to guide them through the college application process, including essay writing and applying for financial aid and scholarships. Participants also get help identifying and submitting applications to target and reach schools. Students are also guided on résumé writing, time management and interview skills. Once they have college offers, they receive help breaking down the real cost of each school and researching possible funding sources.

Applications for the Summer 2023 Program, which runs from June 28 through August 25, are accepted through March 30. Students are eligible and encouraged to apply if they are at least 16 years old by June 28, are entering 11th or 12th grade, live and attend high school in the Bronx and have a passion for science. BEYOND ALBERT will accept up to 15 students for this summer. If selected, students are required to attend all eight weeks of the program, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, arrange transportation to and from campus, take part in lab work, attend information sessions and workshops, and participate in weekly meetings if they choose to continue on to the after-school program.

Students can learn more and apply here and contact the program with any questions at beyondalbert@einsteinmed.edu.