Summer Research Experiences for Science Teachers
Partners in Science 2.0 @ Fred Hutch (PS2@FH) is a paid two-summer program for secondary science educators seeking an in-depth, biomedical research experience at Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
PS2@FH supports the professional growth of secondary science teachers and allows them to share insights about biomedical and cancer research with their students. At the same time, Partner teachers contribute to the scientific efforts within Fred Hutch research labs. Our South Lake Union campus is within commuting distance to many local school districts in the greater Puget Sound area.
The PS2@FH program pairs each Partner teacher with a Mentor scientist for two summers of mentored research. It is based on the popular Partners in Science program model developed by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.
About the PS2@FH Program
The purpose of the PS2@FH program is to provide Partner teachers with an opportunity to collaborate with a Mentor scientist to deeply influence their own professional practices and develop their identities as scientists. The two-year program includes eight weeks of research annually each summer, as well as travel and attendance at two Murdock conferences annually (August and January). During the summer, Partner teachers will spend most of their time conducting research in their host lab. They will also attend weekly meetings (program meetings, journal club meetings, and lab meetings), and work on scientific communication projects (scientific poster, scientific talk, and optional blog post). PS2@FH is funded through the generous support of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.
The application for the 2025 program will open December 2, 2024!
Application Information
The application period runs from winter through early spring annually. If you encounter questions or problems with the application, contact us at sep@fredhutch.org.
- Before you apply, we recommend that you review the application PDF (above) which has a summary of the application questions. Please note that the PDF is a preview to be used for reference only. Please DO NOT fill out the preview and submit it in place of the online application.
- Complete the online application. As part of the application, you will need to upload your resume and provide contact information for a person who will provide a recommendation on your behalf. After submitting the application, an automatic email will be sent to your listed principal/school representative with a link to a Principal Commitment of Support form. Please communicate with your recommender to advise them that the recommendation form is only sent after you submit your application.
- To be considered for the program, you must complete the online application and have the Principal Commitment of Support form completed by the person you identified. Both the application and the Principal Commitment form must be submitted by the deadlines published above.
- If you encounter questions or problems with the application, contact us at sep@fredhutch.org.
PS2@FH is designed for sciences teachers. Teachers who have completed the SEP summer professional development program are particularly encouraged to apply, although this is not a requirement.
PS2@FH applicants must be:
- A middle or high school science teacher (Grades 6-12)
- Currently employed
- Achieved a Baccalaureate degree in a scientific discipline (undergraduate major)
- Available for the entire duration of the program, including two consecutive summers of full-time participation
- Available to travel to two conferences annually (August and January); financial support for conference travel is provided
In addition, please note that a social security number (SSN) or tax identification number (TIN) is required on intake forms.
Teachers will negotiate the exact times and dates of their research experience with their Mentor scientist and the PS2@FH Program Manager. Expect to spend 8 weeks, 40hrs/week devoted to the program for two consecutive summers. This is inclusive of time spent conducting lab-based research, attending lab and program meetings, and working on scientific communication projects. In addition, participation is required at two Murdock conferences annually (August and January).
Participant Payment: The participant payment available for participation in the two-year program is up to $13,000 total ($6,500 annually at completion of summer activities).
Transportation Support: In addition, the program also supports public transportation and/or parking costs specifically related to participation in program activities on the Fred Hutch campus by providing an ORCA transit card and/or parking pass in a Fred Hutch parking garage (please inquire for more details on public transportation and parking costs).
Classroom Supply Grant: In addition, at the completion of two summers of research and at the discretion of the PS2@FH Program Manager, Partner teachers may apply to receive a Classroom Innovation Grant (up to $7,500 per teacher).
Conference Travel: Additional funding is provided to support travel to two required Murdock conferences annually (August and January).
Unfortunately, we are not able to cover the costs of meals, lodging, or mileage related to participation in the summer program.
Choosing Between our Professional Development Programs
PS2@FH will appeal to teachers who want to immerse themselves in a biomedical research-focused experience, discover the process of science, and develop their identities as scientists. Alternatively, the Hutch Fellowship for Excellence in STEM Teaching is another summer research experience that involves a cancer research experience paired with the design of innovative cancer-focused curriculum materials. The SEP Summer Session professional development program is a 3-week summer program focused on developing teachers’ molecular biology skills and pedagogical practices. For more information on the PS2@FH and how it differs from our other professional development programs for science teachers, please visit our teacher website.
View a Comparison of PS2@FH and our Other Summer Teacher Programs