SPARCC (Student-Centered Pathway to Advance Research and Cancer Careers) is a 12-week hybrid educational program at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Designed for undergraduates interested in careers in the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research fields. Our transformative learning experiences encompass faculty-mentored individual research projects, interactive workshops, journal clubs, and clinical practicums.
The program November 2026 through August 2027 and is designed to provide a structured progression of cancer research education and hands-on training:
- November – December 2026: Participants begin with Cancer Education and Intro-Research through three 90-minute virtual workshops.
- January 4 – January 8, 2027: Students attend an intensive Winterim at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) (5 days full-time, in-person).
- February – March 2027: The program continues with an Introduction to Clinical Trials series consisting of three 90-minute virtual workshops.
- April – May 2027: Participants complete a self-paced virtual Research Prep module.
- June 1 – August 13, 2027 (full-time, in-person): The program culminates with Summer Mentored Research Practicum Rotations held in-person at MCW, providing immersive, hands-on research experience.
This sequence blends virtual learning with in-person training, preparing participants with foundational knowledge, clinical trial exposure, research preparation, and mentored practicum experiences.
Upon completion of the program, SPARCC scholars will be able to:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of translational science and its role in cancer research
- Apply techniques that bridge basic, preclinical, and community research to patient care, including understanding the purpose and process of clinical trials
- Contribute to culturally responsive care in clinical trial research
- Work effectively as part of complex, multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating communication and collaboration skills
- Gain a deep understanding of the Clinical Research Professional’s (CRP) role and responsibilities
Topics
- Cancer Biology
- Translational Research
- Multidisciplinary Cancer Care
- Application of Emerging Technologies
- Research Skills and Methodologies
- Mentorship and Career Development
- Culturally Responsible Research
- Journal Club
Eligible SPARCC students…
- Must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents
- Are juniors, seniors, or recent graduates from a four-year college
- Have health insurance
- Are passionate about: biomedical, behavioral, and clinical cancer research fields, community engagement, collaboration, and leadership!
- Must be fully available to participate in all required Winterim and Summer program activities and dates
Financial & Housing Support
SPARCC is generously supported by the National Institutes of Health (NCI-R25-CA 298917) and the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
There is no tuition cost to participate in the program. To help support scholars throughout their research and learning experience, SPARCC provides the following resources:
- Weekly stipend support during the Winterim and summer research experience to offset time dedicated to research and professional development activities.
- Housing support during in-person sessions for scholars residing outside of the greater Milwaukee area.
- Loaner computers for scholars who do not have access to the technology required to fully participate in the program.
Benefits
- Access to a wide professional network, including nationally renowned experts in cancer research, and MCW resources
- Network with like-minded peers from across Wisconsin and beyond
- Academic/scholarly advising and career counseling
- Public speaking skill development
- Hands-on experience with cancer research and clinical trials
- And so much more!
SPARCC scholars selected for the program are expected to
- Dedicate 40 hours per week to the on-campus summer mentored research and practicum rotations (June–August) and the one-week Winterim session (January)
- Attend six 90-minute live virtual sessions (November, December, February, and March)
- Actively participate in scholarly activities throughout the program
- Develop and implement a summer research project with a faculty mentor, and prepare a two-page research proposal by March 1
- Prepare and present their experiences at the SPARCC Cancer Networking and Research Summit
- Collaborate with SPARCC colleagues on research and learning activities