RISE — Research Initiative for Student Exploration
A selective, paid summer research internship pairing North Texas high school students with Cook Children's physicians and scientists. Students don't shadow — they do real research, build real skills, and leave with real credentials.
6–8
Students in pilot cohort
5–6 wks
Full-time summer program
$4,000+
Educational stipend value
16–18
Student age range
100%
Mentored research experience
What Makes RISE Different
Most high school hospital programs are unpaid, volunteer-based, and observation-oriented. RISE is built on a fundamentally different model.
Paid Stipend
Students receive a competitive educational stipend, removing financial barriers so any qualified student can participate — not just those who can afford an unpaid summer.
Real Research
Students work on actual Cook Children's research projects — not simulations or shadowing — with direct mentorship from physicians and scientists.
Dual Mentorship
Each student is paired with a Primary Research Mentor and a Staff Mentor for structured, layered support throughout the program.
Publication Pathway
Students may contribute as co-authors on peer-reviewed manuscripts — a credential that college-bound peers rarely hold.
RISE Symposium
The cohort presents their findings at a formal closing event attended by mentors, faculty, and families.
Cohort Model
Students learn alongside peers, building scientific identity and lasting connections within the Cook Children's research community.
What Students Do
Every week is structured to build scientific competency and professional identity.
Contribute to active pediatric research projects
Learn study design, data collection, and analysis
Attend research seminars and career exploration sessions
Present a capstone research project at the closing RISE Symposium
Receive mentorship from PRTP scientists and clinical faculty
A Day at RISE
Each day is structured to balance learning, mentorship, and hands-on research work.
Time
Activity
8:30 – 9:00 AM
Arrival & daily check-in with research team
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Morning sessions: seminars, facility tours, career panels, professional development
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Lunch + peer networking
1:30 – 4:30 PM
Hands-on research project work with assigned faculty mentor and research staff guide
What Students Learn
RISE builds competency across four interconnected domains.
Research Skills
- Formulating research questions
- Searching scientific literature
- Data collection and documentation
- Basic statistics and data visualization
- Creating research posters and presentations
Scientific Communication
- Writing scientific abstracts and mini-manuscripts
- Oral presentation and public speaking
- Responding to scientific questions
- Journal club participation
Professional Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Professional conduct in a healthcare setting
- HIPAA and research ethics compliance
Career Exploration
- Panels with physicians, nurses, scientists, and allied health professionals
- Medical school and college preparation guidance
- Inside view of careers in pediatric research
What Students Gain
RISE students leave with skills, connections, and achievements that set them apart.
Hands-on research experience at a leading children's hospital
Mentorship from physician-scientists and clinical faculty
Skills in study design, data, and scientific communication
RISE Immersion certificate and program recognition
Competitive advantage on college and pre-med applications
Connection to Cook Children's research network
Potential co-authorship on peer-reviewed manuscripts
Program Timeline — Summer 2026
From applications through the closing symposium and beyond.
Applications & Selection
Spring 2026Applications open; competitive selection process finalized.
Program Begins
June 29, 2026Orientation, team assignments, safety training, and first research sessions.
Research Immersion
Weeks 1–4Daily research project work, didactic seminars, facility tours, and mentorship sessions.
Analysis & Preparation
Week 5Data analysis, scientific writing, and poster and presentation preparation.
RISE Closing Symposium
July 24, 2026Student presentations, awards, and celebration attended by mentors, faculty, and families.
Post-Program
Fall & BeyondAlumni follow-up, co-authorship development, and pipeline tracking begins.
Built on the PRTP Foundation
RISE applies Cook Children's proven research training platform to high school learners.
11+ years of proven medical student research training
Mentorship infrastructure across Cook Children's specialties
University partners: UNTHSC, TCU, UTA, TWU, and others
Track record of publications, national awards, and career impact
Access and equity focus — stipends ensure participation for all economic backgrounds
Alumni return as near-peer mentors in future cohorts
Questions About RISE?
Contact the PRTP team for information about the program, eligibility, and the Summer 2026 application process.
Laurie Bailey, PhD · Director, Pediatric Research Training Program
Interested in other training tracks? Explore the full PRTP pipeline.