A new certificate program from the Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) will unlock opportunities for undergraduate students interested in cancer research, education, and public engagement.
The CCIL Cancer Education Undergraduate Certificate offers a multidisciplinary experience that integrates cancer relevant coursework with opportunities for mentorship, community engagement, and research dissemination.
“The certificate is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and high impact,” said Stephanie Dietrich, CCIL Educational Programs Manager. “It’s a powerful on-ramp for students who want to make a difference and see themselves as future changemakers in the fight against cancer.”
Applications will open in December 2025.
Shaping the Program
Read a Q & A with Stephanie Dietrich, CCIL Educational Programs Manager, about the formation of the certificate program.
What inspired the creation of this certificate?
Stephanie Dietrich: This certificate was a collaborative Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination effort that grew out of a shared commitment to mentoring students who are passionate about cancer literacy, scientific discovery, and community impact. Assistant Director of Education, Dr. Marci Pool, who leads the Cancer Scholars Program, recognized a growing need for an additional pathway to engage students beyond the limited capacity of Cancer Scholars. Myra Kamdar, a Cancer Scholar alumna and current CCIL Engagement Assistant, helped shape the structure from the student perspective, ensuring the certificate would be both accessible and meaningful. Since I joined the CCIL in 2024, I have seen an incredible increase in student engagement in our outreach and education programs, from STEM activities in local after-school programs to advocacy around cancer awareness. We wanted to create an additional, flexible pathway that recognizes the many ways students contribute to the cancer research ecosystem, whether through coursework, outreach, research, or public engagement. The certificate offers a way to formalize and support those efforts, while opening the door to more students who share this mission.
What can students expect?
Stephanie Dietrich: Each student will have the ability to chart a pathway that aligns with their interest, whether that’s lab-based research, science communication, or community outreach. The certificate is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and high impact. Along the way, students will build essential team science skills such as collaboration and communication, as well as develop their cancer literacy, all while gaining exposure to the real-world challenges and opportunities in cancer research. Students will also be encouraged to reflect on their role as changemakers in their communities, developing a deeper understanding of how their academic interests can translate into meaningful societal impact. Ultimately, this experience prepares students not only for future academic and professional opportunities, but also to become leaders in promoting cancer awareness and advancing cancer science.