American Cancer Society Internships: Opportunities for Students to Make a Difference in Cancer Research

The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers a variety of internship programs for students passionate about contributing to the fight against cancer. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact on the lives of those affected by this disease. From research-focused programs to those centered on advocacy and community engagement, ACS internships cater to a wide range of interests and skill sets.

Research-Focused Internships

Several ACS-supported programs focus on providing students with firsthand exposure to cancer research. These internships are designed to nurture interest in scientific research and prepare students for future careers in the field.

The Next-Generation Cancer Internship Program (NEXCITE)

Funded by the American Cancer Society, the Next-Generation Cancer Internship Program (NEXCITE) offers students meaningful, firsthand exposure to cancer research. The program includes a 10-week summer intensive in Miami, followed by year-round mentoring and career development opportunities. NEXCITE scholars engage in hands-on, cutting-edge biomedical research, clinical shadowing, structured career development workshops, and networking events with distinguished faculty at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Eligible applicants must be enrolled at an institution of higher education within Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, or Palm Beach counties. Current sophomores or juniors are preferred, but other undergraduates may be considered. There is no citizenship requirement. Applicants are ineligible if their bachelor’s degree is awarded before the program ends (May through May the following year). All application materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

ACS CICR Internship Program at O’Neal Cancer Center

The O’Neal Cancer Center offers an ACS CICR Internship Program for undergraduates. This program provides diverse students with expert mentoring and hands-on learning to nurture their interest in scientific research. The O’Neal Cancer Center seeks to create a diverse research environment focused on supporting, encouraging, and recognizing the achievements of all graduates and undergraduates, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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ACS-IMPACT Program at the University of Maryland

The ACS-IMPACT Program (Internship for Mentored Projects Advancing Cancer Translation) aims to provide training and networking opportunities to undergraduate students in the field of cancer research. Interns selected for the program are supported by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Undergraduate interns engage in a 10-week intensive research program and optional clinical shadowing opportunities.

This internship program provides research experience, networking, and near-peer mentoring opportunities. It is one of many programs included in the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center's (UMGCCC) Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination. Interns attend programming along with Nathan Schnaper Internship Program interns (NSIP) and University of Maryland (UM) Scholars Summer Research program.

Components of the program include:

Molecular Biology Techniques Workshop
Mentored research experience including a team science approach
Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Cancer education sessions
Weekly meetings with mentors
Career Development and Seminars
Scientist-Survivor Program Journal Club
End-of-summer presentation opportunity at the NSIP Symposium
Longitudinal activities:
- Public Service Announcements and Social Media Campaigns
- Mid-year ACS Internship Program reunion
- Continued professional development and mentorship

Other Internship Opportunities

Beyond research-focused internships, the American Cancer Society offers a variety of student internship opportunities across different industries and disciplines year-round. These may be part-time, full-time, undergraduate, or graduate-level positions.

These internships provide opportunities to:

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Work with people to develop their potential, help them achieve their goals, and guide them along a career path.
Gain experience in technology, including back-end development and front-end design.
Contribute to the Marcom team's purpose of inspiring people with the story of the American Cancer Society, creating content and experiences that connect people emotionally to our mission and motivate them to take action.

Volunteer Opportunities for High School and College Graduates

For high school and college graduates looking to continue their involvement with the American Cancer Society, several volunteer opportunities are available:

Colleges Against Cancer/Campus Relay For Life: Join or start a College Against Cancer chapter at your college and continue your involvement with Relay For Life.
Community Relay For Life: Join a community Relay For Life event in your area.
GenNow Network: Join the American Cancer Society GenNow Network, a group of young professionals nationwide who are emerging leaders in their chosen industries and within the American Cancer Society.
Hope Lodge Volunteer: Volunteer at a Hope Lodge, which provides a home away from home for people facing cancer and their caregivers.
Road To Recovery Driver: Provide free rides to treatment for cancer patients through the Road To Recovery program.
ACS Cancer Action Network Young Leaders Caucus: Engage in cancer advocacy with a virtual young leaders caucus for those aged 18-35.
ACS Cancer Action Network Legislative Ambassador: Advocate for policies that support cancer research, prevention, and screening programs with elected officials.

The American Cancer Society's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the heart of ACS’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is the belief that we can better position ourselves to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We do this by attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse team of employees unified in working to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. The American Cancer Society seeks out and celebrates employees from different cultures, experiences, and geographies, ensuring they secure, develop, and retain top talent in an increasingly diverse, multicultural, and competitive labor force. Our Employee Engagement Groups, which are comprised of over 1,300 ACS team members, help build a sense of community and belonging.

Working at the American Cancer Society

Every team member at the American Cancer Society (ACS) is working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. They’re part of a team of people who make them feel valued as individuals. The flexible schedules, remote work options, and genuine respect for work-life balance at ACS keep our employees enthusiastic and satisfied with their work. ACS employees are dedicated to their team and to their mission.

How to Apply

For information on summer internships, search "intern" on the American Cancer Society's career website.

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