Knight Scholars Program
Help us end cancer as we know it
The Knight Scholars Program offers high school students a chance to explore a range of careers in cancer research, prevention, and treatment at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland and in their home communities across Oregon.
Scholars will be paid a stipend. For activities at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, we will arrange (and pay) for scholars to stay in a nearby hotel or in a residence hall at Portland State University.
We’re looking to engage students from underserved communities, including students from rural areas across Oregon.
For more information, visit the website for the Knight Scholars Program.
Applications are currently closed.
| Program | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 1 week | Spend one week at OHSU touring labs and meeting scientists who represent a range of cancer-related careers. |
| Immersion | 10 weeks | Spend two weeks at OHSU engaging with scientists and six weeks shadowing clinical, public health and community organization professionals in their own communities. Must have completed Introduction. |
| Intensive | 10 weeks | Spend six weeks at OHSU working in a cancer research lab and four weeks in their local communities. Must have completed Immersion. |
Student safety is our top priority
Before starting any OHSU program, participants need to meet all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization guidelines for health care workers. These are meant to provide a safe environment for students, employees, and patients at OHSU and participating clinical and research training sites.
OHSU strongly recommends that all students remain up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines, as defined by the CDC. If you have questions, contact us at knightscholars@ohsu.edu.
Most program activities are in person. Some are online. Students should be comfortable with both.
Yes, you can have a career in this field.
“Many people think working in cancer means being an oncologist, but cancer research and cancer education through public health outreach are also part of the larger cancer professional picture. This program will expose a diverse group of high school students to all of those as real, tangible opportunities for their futures. We want kids to get excited about this.”
- Jackilen Shannon, Ph.D., R.D.
Professor, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
Knight Scholars director
All around Oregon
We recruit Knight Scholars from these high schools and communities. However, students at any Oregon high school are welcome to apply.
- Chiloquin High School
- Culver High School
- Henley High School
- Jefferson High School Middle College for Advanced Studies
- Klamath Falls City School District
- Klamath County School District
- Klamath Tribes members
- Madras High School, including members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
- Mazama High School
- McLoughlin High School
- Nixya’awii Community School
- Parkrose High School
- Pendleton High School
- Redmond Proficiency Academy
- Umatilla High School
- Woodburn High Schools: WeBSS, WACA, AIS and WAAST
This program is supported by the Knight Scholars Program - Building STEM Interest and Capacity for Cancer Research Careers among Underrepresented and Rural High School Students, National Institutes of Health grant R25 CA221741, and a generous donation from the Kuni Foundation.
How to apply
Submit your application and a recommendation from a teacher, counselor, principal, adviser, coach or other educator. Applications are closed for summer 2025. Watch for updates in fall 2025.
Questions?
Contact us
- Email knightscholars@ohsu.edu
- Call 503-314-9023