Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Cancer Center at Illinois

Cancer Education Undergraduate Certificate Program

Empowering Future Leaders

The Cancer Education Undergraduate Certificate recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate a sustained commitment to cancer education through interdisciplinary learning, outreach, and research dissemination. By completing this certificate, students demonstrate a commitment to advancing cancer education and preparing for impactful careers in this critical area of public health.

Applications are accepted in December and June, and certificates are validated in March and December.

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Program Pillars

Foundational Skills

Engage with curriculum that integrates diverse fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of cancer.

Research Exploration

Deepen your understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of cancer research through seminars and conferences.

Outreach & Mentorship

Apply your knowledge by engaging in cancer education outreach, mentoring, and public engagement activities.

Dissemination of Work

Share your knowledge by demonstrating your ability to communicate cancer research at public-facing venues.

Eligibility

The Cancer Education Undergraduate Certificate is open to undergraduate students from any major who are actively involved in cancer education and outreach efforts affiliated with the Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL).

To apply for the certificate program, students must have already completed at least three of the following experiences:

  • Completion of two CRTEC Essential Skills workshops
  • Participation in one outreach or mentorship activity
  • Attendance at one CCIL cancer research seminar (with reflection)
  • Completion of a cancer-relevant experience (with supervisor verification)
  • Enrollment in or completion of one cancer-relevant 300- or 400-level course

Applications are accepted twice a year, in December and June. Students are encouraged to apply once they meet the eligibility criteria and have a plan to complete the remaining requirements before graduation. You can view the requirements at the link below.

Program Requirements

The Cancer Education Undergraduate Certificate Program requires students to submit all documents and complete the requirements by the first week of their graduating semester. Certificates are only validated in March and October.

Requirement 1

Complete the CRTEC Essential Skills Series

  • Must complete at least four of the available CRTEC Essential Skills workshops or modules.
  • Topics may include: Science Communication, Team Science, Research Skills, Data Topics and Career Development.
  • Student must submit completion certificates or reflections for each session.

Complete Two Cancer-Relevant 300 or 400 Courses, or One Course and 1 HCLA

Other courses may apply, but must be approved by CRTEC and student will need to submit an unofficial transcript.

  • ANTH 407
  • BIOE 479
  • BIOE 487
  • MCB 316
  • MCB 400
  • MCB 493
  • ANSC 464
  • BIOE 310
  • BIOE 360
  • ECE 416
  • FSHN 480
  • HK 406
  • ME 483
  • ME 487
  • BIOE 498
  • HIST 263
  • MCB 406
  • MCB 466

Complete Cancer Relevant Experience

Internship, research experience, or volunteer experience that contributes to cancer research, education, outreach, or awareness a meaningful way. Student must submit a Supervisor Verification Form, which will be provided by CRTEC.

Requirement 2: Cancer Research Exploration

To deepen understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of cancer research, students will engage with ongoing cancer-related scholarship through seminars and/or conferences. Students must complete all of the following: Attend two cancer research seminars or conferences. Events must be cancer-focused and organized or co-organized by CCIL or a recognized cancer education and/or research organization. Students can find opportunities by signing up for the CCIL Weekly Digest and checking the CRTEC Opportunities Board or event listings.

Eligible Opportunities

  • CCIL Seminar Series (e.g., Cancer Scholars, Tissue Microenvironment)
  • External conferences with a cancer education or research component (AACR, ICEC, CABTRAC)

Submit a Reflection for Each Event

For each seminar or conference attended, students must submit a 300–500 word reflection using the CRTEC Research Reflection Template.

Requirement 3: Outreach & Mentorship

Students will apply their knowledge by engaging directly in cancer education outreach, mentoring, and public engagement activities facilitated by CCIL. Students must complete a combination of the following activities totaling a minimum of two approved outreach or mentorship experiences. These experiences may be completed in any combination across the categories below (e.g., one Precollege Mentorship + one Community Engagement Event Series, or two CRTEC Special Projects). All activities must be pre-approved and coordinated through the CRTEC Education Team with a semester lead time.

Mentorship Activities*

  • Mentor with the Boys and Girls Club or Y on the Fly
    • Must attend at least three of four outreach sessions in one semester
    • Complete pre- and post-program mentor surveys
  • Serve as a Cancer Center at Illinois Program Mentor
    • Participate in mentoring training or planning meetings
    • Minimum four hours of mentoring over one year
    • Complete mentorship reflection form

*Each of the items counts as one experience.

Community Engagement & Volunteer Events

  • Beckman Open House
  • Science at the Market
  • CCIL Events at Illini Athletics

*Participation in four events counts as one outreach experience.

    CRTEC Special Projects*

    • Cancer Relevant Communication Projects
    • CCIL Member Lab Information Relationship Team
    • Science Simplified (K-12 resource development)
    • Cancer Stories Writing Project

    *Each of the items counts as one outreach experience. Students may complete two projects from this list to fulfill the requirement.

    Requirement 4: Dissemination of Cancer Education Work

    Students must present their cancer education, outreach, or research experience at two public-facing venues to demonstrate their communication and knowledge translation skills.

    Examples

    • Undergraduate Research Symposium
    • Cancer Education Symposium
    • Cancer relevant presentation at local, regional, or national conference

    Documentation

    • Title, abstract, event name, and date
    • Photo of presentation (if available)
    • Brief summary of your contribution

    Questions? Contact Us!

    If you have questions, please reach out to Educational Programs Manager Stephanie Dietrich at sdrich@illinois.edu.