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Cancer is a leading cause of illness and death in the U.S., yet most young people have limited access to accurate information about prevention, and even fewer opportunities to connect with the clinicians and researchers working to fight it. The Student Cancer Outreach and Research Initiative (SCORI) was created to close that gap.
In 2021, SCORI was founded by Raivath Mukherjee after witnessing the impact of cancer on friends and family and recognizing a lack of cancer education and prevention resources within his school community. What began as a student club quickly grew into an initiative focused on cancer education, awareness and hands-on learning opportunities through oncology panels, educational forums and partnerships with healthcare and nonprofit organizations.
By 2024, SCORI evolved into a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization while remaining committed to its mission of providing accessible, high-quality cancer education and experiential learning opportunities. Today, SCORI brings together students across educational levels to inspire future researchers, clinicians and advocates dedicated to advancing cancer prevention, research and care.
SCORI has also expanded to the University of Cincinnati, where Mukherjee launched a campus chapter to further engage students in cancer education and outreach. Melinda Butsch Kovacic, PhD, MPH, Associate Director of Community Outreach & Engagement at the Cancer Center, serves as the faculty advisor, supporting the chapter with curriculum development, IRB submissions and evaluation measures to help strengthen the program’s educational and research initiatives.
The program recruits students through peer networks, campus chapters and social media, engaging them not just as attendees but as leaders and volunteers. Programming includes workshops, seminars and multi-session Oncology Panel Discussions featuring clinicians, researchers and public health professionals, giving students direct exposure to experts across the cancer care continuum.
Since launching, SCORI has enrolled more than 160 students across five institutions. Participants have reported stronger awareness of cancer prevention strategies and early detection, and post-event feedback shows a meaningful uptick in interest in cancer-related careers. With a new University of Cincinnati chapter underway and expanded community partnerships in development, SCORI is building a replicable model for youth-focused cancer education, one student at a time.