A Student-Led Model for Cancer Education and Prevention

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), developed through the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, was created to close that gap. Founded by Raivath Mukherjee and Melinda Butsch Kovacic, PhD, MPH, SCORI provides high school and college students with open-access, student-centered cancer education and structured pathways into cancer-related careers.

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.