The 2008 AACR special program for high school students attracted over 350 student registrants from the San Diego, CA area and its surroundings. Many AACR members brought their high school students to the Annual Meeting to participate in this outstanding educational opportunity.
The AACR is committed to increasing the number of young students pursuing careers in science and cancer research. This commitment to science education and increased participation of students from both underrepresented minority groups as well as the larger population has been manifested in several AACR programs, especially those at our largest annual event, the AACR Annual Meeting. By doing everything possible to strengthen interactions between senior cancer scientists and promising students, we hope to accomplish the ultimate goal of facilitating the contributions of these young students to scientific research and the conquest of cancer.
This unique opportunity for high school students to explore career opportunities in science at a national meeting includes a program featuring:
Lectures
Several distinguished scientists presented a series of lectures on various topics such as, understanding cancer, cancer control and prevention, cancer career opportunities, and why cancer research needs high school students. There was also a special and moving presentation from a cancer survivor.
Mentor-escorted Tours of Exhibits and Poster Areas
Students were matched with mentors to tour the exhibit hall and poster areas where students had an opportunity to view state-of-the-art exhibit booths to learn about the latest products and services for laboratory and clinical research and visit scientific posters describing the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer.
Student Presentations and Networking Reception
Students were able to meet one-on-one with leading scientists to answer questions about various areas of research during an Ask-the-Experts Session; present posters or tabletop exhibitions of their school projects; and learn about job opportunities and summer internships.
Click here to read the Invited Speakers' narrative biographies! Please e-mail scienceeducation@aacr.org with any questions about this AACR activity.