The Peter E. Schwartz Discovery to Cure Internship Program

The Peter E. Schwartz Discovery to Cure Internship Program offers high school students hands-on experience in Yale's labs, exposing them to advanced research and career opportunities in science and medicine. Directed by Yale gynecologic oncologist, Elena Ratner, MD, MBA, the six and a half week program is highly competitive. No more than 20 students are accepted for the June to August internship each year.

Interns work directly in research labs, gaining practical skills and mentorship from Yale faculty. Many have achieved remarkable success by publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and placing as finalists/in first-place at prestigious events. Noted competitions include the International Science and Engineering Fair, National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Connecticut State Science Fair, Siemens Westinghouse Competition, and Pfizer Life Science Award.

The Schwartz Discovery to Cure High School Internship Program is for high school juniors. Students must be at least 16 years old. They should be entering their senior year in the fall after the program.

If a student is interested in the program, a school representative must reach out to RuthAnn.Ornstein@yale.edu and request an application. Each school may only nominate two students. Students may not nominate themselves.

Established in 2003 by Gil Mor, MD, PhD, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, the program began with just four high school students from two local schools working in two departmental laboratories. Since its inception, the program has grown substantially, successfully training hundreds of students from across the country and abroad.

In 2023, the program was renamed the Peter E. Schwartz Discovery to Cure Program. This change honors the late ob/gyn surgeon-scientist for his dedication to the program and Yale School of Medicine. Throughout his prestigious career, he was deeply committed to education and innovation.