ENCOURAGE Program
The ENCOURAGE Program (Encouraging Cancer & Oncology Undergraduate Research Growth and Engagement) at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The program's aim is to train undergraduate students in various fields related to cancer research. Selected students will train in the labs of world-renowned cancer research experts for one year, starting in the summer. In addition to laboratory training, students also attend seminars, lab meetings, courses, workshops and various other career development activities during their time at Moffitt.
Program Requirements:
Students accepted to the ENCOURAGE Program will train full-time during the summer. Due to this commitment, summer employment and/or enrollment in classes is strongly discouraged. The program will continue on a part-time basis through the following academic year. Students will receive a $6,000 stipend.
The ENCOURAGE Program provides a well-rounded training experience that includes, but is not limited to:
- Networking opportunities with Moffitt faculty, staff and fellow trainees
- Scientific Communication Course
- Campus seminars and lab meetings
- Presenting at the annual Undergraduate Research Day
- Presenting at the annual Moffitt Scientific Symposium - the campus-wide conference for all trainees and students at the center, held on the campus of the University of South Florida
Program Eligibility:
- Interns are expected to return to continue their studies after their summer at Moffitt. For that reason, graduating seniors are not eligible.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled at one of three local institutions:
- Hillsborough Community College
- St. Leo University
- University of South Florida
- Applicants must major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
- Be able to commit to full-time during the summer and part-time during the fall/spring semesters.
How To Apply:
The application will open on November 13, 2025 and close on January 15, 2026.
A completed application packet includes:
- A completed application submitted by the deadline.
- Two letters of reference.
- Signed statement of commitment.
- Unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts will only be requested if accepted into the program.
Partially completed applications or applications with missing materials will not be sent to the selection committee for review.
Due to the volume of applications, it is not possible to provide feedback to those individuals who are not selected. Admission decisions will not be discussed with parents.
Program Contact:
Paola Uscanga
Program Administrator, Office of Undergraduate & Visiting Scholar Affairs
paola.uscanga@moffitt.org
Faculty Mentors for the ENCOURAGE Program
Selected interns will be matched with mentors, such as those below.
Elsa R. Flores, PhD
Department of Molecular Oncology
Clement K. Gwede, PhD, 
MPH, RN, FAAN, FAACE, FSBM
Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior
Department of Molecular Oncology
Department of Immunology
Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior
Department of Drug Discovery
Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior
Department of Metabolism and Physiology
Office of Undergraduate and Visiting Scholar Affairs