The Vera Bradley Foundation Next Generation Scholars Program is a 10-week paid internship program that is open to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students from Adams, Wells, Huntington, Whitley, Noble or DeKalb counties OR for students who are attending any of the following Fort Wayne-area colleges and universities: University of Saint Francis, Trine University, Huntington University, Indiana Tech, Ivy Tech Community College – Fort Wayne or Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Learn & Earn with the Vera Bradley Foundation
When you participate in the Vera Bradley Foundation Next Generation Scholars Program at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, you’ll work directly with a mentor physician or researcher conducting studies in the most progressive areas of breast cancer research. You’ll gain hands-on experience in research labs in downtown Indianapolis.
About the program
- 10-week, full-time immersive cancer research program. Vera Bradley Foundation Next Generation Scholars will focus specifically on breast cancer research.
- Open to students who are 18 or older as of May 26, 2026 AND are at least rising college freshman.
- Program will accept 2-4 students per summer.
- Each student receives IU-provided housing and a $5,000 stipend.
- Applications are currently open and close on Jan. 31, 2026.
Eligibility
There are two ways students can qualify to be a Next Generation Scholar:
- Student is from Allen County or one of the contiguous counties: Adams, Wells, Huntington, Whitley, Noble or DeKalb counties
- Student is attending any of the following Fort Wayne-area colleges and universities: University of Saint Francis, Trine University, Huntington University, Indiana Tech, Ivy Tech Community College – Fort Wayne or Purdue University Fort Wayne
