for Gene Researcher for a Week Application
GRFAW Student Application Form
The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation is looking for mature, capable high school students age 16 and over who are passionate about science and intrigued by genetics. If you have an overall average of at least 85%, can write a brilliant essay to demonstrate your excitement about science and your advanced communication skills, and you can convince a teacher to write a stunning reference for you, please apply!
Gene Researcher for a Week (GRFAW) program is your opportunity to gain insight into the world of genetic diseases through a mentorship in one of Canada’s top genetic labs. This program is designed to provide a learning experience for students that have not had extensive lab experience from other programs or work experience opportunities.
Participants can learn how genes cause human genetic disorders and how top scientists translate these findings into treatments and cures for genetic diseases. In this program you will participate in the activities in the lab with as much hands on experience as possible(*). The GRFAW mentoring program is a great opportunity for YOU to learn about human genetics research and connect with the scientific community.
Apply by filling out and submitting the following:
- Student Application Form
- Student Essay
- Teacher Reference Letter
Important Information
The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation (CGCF) is responsible for:
- Placing students in labs as close to their home as possible. PLEASE NOTE: up to 35% of the selected applicants may be placed outside of their own city and even province.
- Assisting with the booking of accommodations, if required.
- Air travel and accommodation grants will be made available to those students who will be required to travel based on location of their placement. These grants will be for a set amount and awarded only to those requiring out of town travel.
Students accepted into the program will be responsible for:
- For those students travelling outside of home city, all travel and accommodation costs must be paid by student up front. Reimbursement of expenses will be in accordance with the grant available for that year. Copies of receipts and invoices will be required. NOTE: Exceptions to this may be made where required due to financial constraints.
- Any additional air travel/accommodation costs beyond the grant provided (often there are no costs as the Foundation places students as close to home as possible). NOTE: Amount of travel grant will be allotted once the Foundation has determined how many students will require the grant.
- Travel arrangements to and from the lab (including airfares and accommodations if required)
- Submitting a waiver signed by parent/guardian of (waivers will be provided upon acceptance into the program)
- Completing an exit survey and essay upon completion of the program
Student placements are either one or two students per lab and we cannot guarantee placements with other students.
NOTE: It is the Canadian Gene Cure Foundation's goal that no eligible student should be denied access to the programme for financial reasons. CGCF will endeavor to keep costs down for participants by placing them in labs closest to their home location. In cases of financial hardship, where travel is required, CGCF will endeavor to help students raise the required funds through programme sponsors or other means.
1. Student Application Form
Application for the 2014 Gene Researcher for a Week program is now CLOSED. Please check back November 1st, 2014 for application information for 2015.
2. Student Essay
Please prepare a 300-500 word essay explaining why you should be a Gene Researcher for a Week. To have the best chance of acceptance please ensure your essay includes all of the following:
- Overall average across all subjects as a percentage grade for your previous complete academic year
- Why you are passionate about science and how you have pursued that interest in science at school, work or in the community
- Character attributes that would make you a good scientist
- Your future education and career plans
- What volunteer and extra-curricular activities you participate in, and what you have learned from them
- How you hope to benefit from this experience
- Why we should choose you to be a GRFAW
3. Teacher Reference Letter
Teacher reference letter deadline is January 10, 2014 but it is recommended that your teacher reference letter is submitted by December 31st wherever possible.
Please have your high school biology/science teacher go online to www.genecure.ca/en/programs/gene-researcher-for-a-week/teachers-information/form and fill out the letter of reference document.