YSFP is a free six-week research program run by the UC Irvine Cancer Research Institute for Orange County juniors. Fellows join a laboratory or research team and work on cancer research in basic or population sciences under UC Irvine mentors, while also attending scientific seminars and professional development workshops. The program runs about 30 hours a week; the 2027 session is June 28 to August 7 and ends with a scientific poster symposium.
The official FAQ says the program aims to select about 20 students a year, depending on the number of participating labs, and typically receives over 100 applications. Applicants must attend a high school in Orange County, have completed biology and chemistry, and hold an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0; the website does not list a citizenship requirement. The program is free for accepted students, and families cover transportation and parking.
For Irvine students, YSFP is a nearby, free research program with direct mentoring from university labs, applied for in junior year and held the summer before senior year. Participants may not take summer classes or attend other summer programs during the six weeks, so confirm summer plans before applying.
