In recent years, science has seemed to become one of the forgotten fields to younger generations in an era when science is advancing at high speeds and is more important than ever. This summer and fall, the Arizona-based Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation is sponsoring a $45,000 pilot internship program with the Translational Genomics Research Foundation (TGen).

The hope for this internship opportunity is to inspire high school and college students to seek careers in bioscience areas like brain tumor research and neuroscience.

Catherine Ivy, the president of The Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation, says that mentor-intern relationships are vital for developing career choices for students. She hopes that this program will inspire students to “become the next generation of leaders in the field.”

“The program encourages the development of well-rounded scientists, rather than focusing only on research skills. Students participate in professional development training, including science communication, responsible conduct in research, bioethics, networking, and exposure to new careers in science,” says Candice Nulsen, the director of TGen Education and Community Outreach.

TGen will choose five students to participate in the pilot program that begins in June. Three high school students will be a part of the 10-week summer internship, while two college students will be selected for the 20-week program that runs throughout fall.

“These students will spend most of their time at the lab bench, conducting experiments. But they also will be exposed to clinical research by observing surgery, shadowing physicians, and experiencing first-hand the challenges in developing new diagnostics and drugs,” Nulsen says.

This hands-on opportunity is a special opportunity for TGen, The Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation and the students involved as it could benefit and affect the future of all scientific research.

“Students in the program gain a greater understanding of the connection between laboratory research results and their application toward patient care,” Nulsen says.

Aside from this internship opportunity, Nulsen says that TGen annually hosts 45 students as part of a scholar program through a 25-year partnership between TGen and the Helios Education Foundation.