The 2025 online Pathways Research Explorers application is now closed. Please check back in January for 2026 program information.
Update (April 11, 2025): Our programs rely on federal funding from NIH (specifically the National Institute for General Medical Sciences and National Cancer Institute) and budget support from Fred Hutch Cancer Center, both of which face uncertainty and potential cuts.
At this time, we are uncertain whether we will receive sufficient funding to hold our programs as planned this summer. While we hope to proceed in some capacity, changes such as reduced participant numbers may be necessary. As a result, acceptance decisions may be delayed beyond the previously published date. We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this challenging situation.
Program FAQs
For general questions not addressed under FAQs please contact us. Student applicants are encouraged to email us directly to practice professional communication.
2025 National Minority Health Month Op-Eds by the Explorers Virtual Interns
These op-eds were written by the Science Education Partnership Virtual Explorers High School interns for the April Minority Health Month Programming held by the Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at the Fred Hutch (the Community of Employees for Racial Equity, Fred Hutch Rainbow Employees for Equity, and Hutch United) in partnership with different departments (Government and Community Relations and Science Education). Each op-ed focuses on the groups and communities that are the focus of each week.
The Virtual Explorers Internship at Fred Hutch is made possible by Pathways to Cancer Research (R25CA221770), a Youth Enjoy Science Award (YES/CURE), from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institutes of Health. The contents are solely the responsibility of the author(s) and the Fred Hutch Science Education Partnership and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NCI or NIH.
Indigenous and Alaska Native Health: Healing Beyond the Westen Lens: Embracing Native Wisdom for Minority Health Equity by L.S.
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander: The Hidden Disparities within Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Healthcare by J.G. and G.B.
Black and African American Health: Confronting the Historical Exploitation and Racial Disparities Present within Healthcare by K.A., S.H., and B.O.
Latinx and Hispanic American Health: Microplastics: A Hidden Threat in Hispanic Communities by K.CF. and H.N.
2024 Op-Eds:
- Indigenous and Alaska Native Health: Addressing the Persistent Disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities by E.T., C.S., and B.M.
- Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander: Addressing Disparities in the Healthcare Field Towards Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders by M.G. and B.S.
- Black and African American Health: The Voices of African Immigrants by Y.M.
- Latinx and Hispanic American Health: Language: Both a Bridge and a Barrier by A.M., B.O., M.M., and M.D.
2023 Op-Eds:
- Health Inequities: Attacking Health Disparities Through Social Determinants by M.D., C.S., and I.A.
- Indigenous and Alaska Native Health: Indigenous and Alaskan Native Mental Health by T.N. and R.H.
- Latinx and Hispanic Health: Multilingual Practices in Healthcare by A.M., A.B., and L.C.
- Black/African American Health: The Generational Scar by Faduma Yusuf and Mahelat Alamerew
- Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health: Diabetes in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Groups in the US by B.P., E.T., and S.G.
Other Pathways to Cancer Research Programs
Hutch Teacher Fellowship
Hutch Teacher Fellowship
The fellowship provides a two-year professional development research experience for secondary science teachers.
Learn More
Pathways Undergraduate Researchers
Pathways Undergraduate Researchers
Pathways Undergraduate Researchers is an individualized, mentored, summer internship program for rising first-, second-, and third-year college students. The program aims to prepare students for upper-level undergraduate research training programs.
Learn MoreThe High School Pathways Research Explorer Program is a part of Pathways to Cancer Research and is funded by a Youth Enjoy Science (YES) grant from the National Cancer Institute (grant number R25CA221770). Funded by the National Cancer Institute, Pathways to Cancer Research provides education and training programs for teachers, high school students, and undergraduates. This builds on the long-standing efforts and institutional commitment by Fred Hutch to support the development of a more diverse next generation of biomedical scientists. Pathways to Cancer Research materials are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NCI or NIH.
