Opportunities
Learning Opportunities
Learning Opportunities
- Mini Medical School at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers high school students hands-on insight into the world of health care. This free program, held every Tuesday evening in February, lets you work alongside DMU faculty and students to solve real-life medical challenges. Registration required.
- UI Belin-Blank Center's High School Research Symposium - February 23, 2026
- American Association for Cancer Research hosts their annual conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities and will host a special program for high school students.
- UI Health Care hosts STEM education experiences for students K-12 annually at the University of Iowa campus, at outreach events, and at special events with educational and community partners.
- Teens Go STEM is a free, hands-on career exploration program for high school students (grades 9–12). Join University of Iowa health sciences students and professionals for interactive activities in health care skills, innovations, and career pathways. Save the date: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 9:00 am–12:30 pm, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Registration opens early 2026.
- Scrubs Camp is a one-day, hands-on experience for high school students curious about health careers. “Scrub up” with real health care professionals, explore emergency scenarios, try out medical equipment, and discover what it’s like to step into the world of health care.
- Science Near Me - NEW! This searchable database, still in BETA, aims to become a valuable resource for discovering STEM opportunities for people of all ages!
- Iowa HOSA: Future Health Professionals - This student-led organization provides opportunities to learn if a career in health care is right for you. Participate in volunteer work, competitions, and conferences.
- RISE with WiSE Summer Experience - RISE with WiSE is a residential summer experience that provides opportunities for rising 11th and 12th grade students to develop their confidence in pursuing STEM careers by participating in hands-on STEM experiences and exploring STEM majors at Iowa State University. We will challenge you to get out of your academic comfort zone while experiencing a week in the life of an Iowa State College WiSE student. All students are welcome.
- STEM in Motion is a program geared towards 9-12 grade students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This opportunity incorporates travel with educational opportunities to interact in a real-world setting and career-oriented pathways.
- Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics Summer Intern Program - This 8-week paid internship focuses on exposure and discovery into future healthcare careers.
- Special Program for High School Students: The conquest of cancer and the next generation of cancer researchers. Hosted by the American Association for Cancer Research, this program promotes interactions between senior cancer scientists and promising students in order to facilitate the contributions of these students to scientific research and the conquest of cancer.
- Iowa Health Sciences Career Day - Health Sciences Career Day introduces Iowa students to the most in-demand health care careers statewide. Through engaging videos and live panel discussions, students will discover what it’s like to care for patients in a hospital and learn how to prepare for these careers. Check out the Iowa Health Education and Research Foundation Scholarship!
Internships
Internships
- Belin-Blank Center programs give students the chance to explore new interests, build their talents, and connect with peers. From summer enrichment to advanced coursework—even early college opportunities—there’s something for every curious learner.
- Belin-Blank Center's Academy for Twice-Exceptionality is a new program that strives to ensure neurodiverse students have a positive and fulfilling college experience through a focus on nurturing students' talents while also creating a sense of community and helping students connect with resources from the Belin-Blank Center, the University of Iowa, and the broader community.
- The TRIO Upward Bound Project is a federal program that helps first-generation and low-income high school students at Columbus Community, Muscatine, or West Liberty High Schools in Iowa prepare for postsecondary education. We empower students to advocate for their education and achieve their postsecondary goals.
- Kirkwood Community College internships are a great way for high school students to get experience, gain new skills, and learn more about different jobs and career fields. High school juniors and seniors who participate in the internship program earn dual credit through Kirkwood Community College and their local high school.
Inside Cancer Careers Podcast
This podcast from the Center for Cancer Training at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) explores the various ways individuals contribute to the fight against cancer and shares their stories along the journey. Check it out!
Journal of Emerging Investigators
Get published!
The Journal of Emerging Investigators is a science journal and mentorship program publishing research by high school scientists. Resources also include a mini-PhD program and the "Ask a scientist" initiative.
eCLOSE
eCLOSE trains future scientists through four progressive programs that build research skills, problem-solving abilities, communication expertise, and a strong career network—preparing you for success in any field.
Polygence
Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor to design a one-of-a-kind research project. In just six weeks, you’ll dive into fields like cancer research, collaborate with peers, and gain personalized guidance every step of the way.
