$10,000 donation supports Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's High School Summer Internship Program

On July 5, 42 Seattle high school students will embark on an eight-week journey in hands-on research and lab work focusing on science and medicine at Fred Hutch. These students – ages 15 through 17 - were selected from a group of 250 applicants and went through a rigorous interview process prior to being selected for the internship.

Throughout the summer, interns work together in small groups to explore and discover the world of medicine. Students participate in Fred Hutch research labs and get real-life experience with staining cells, gene splicing, separating white blood cells from red blood cells, and more.

Program Director, Beverly Torok-Storb initiated this program with support from the National Institute of Health. Fred Hutch Education and Outreach Specialist, Liza Ray said, "We developed this program to give students in our area the opportunity to augment their existing knowledge of science, experience an authentic research environment, and enhance their competitiveness for college."

Fred Hutch hosts this internship program to inspire students who strive to challenge themselves in their educational journey, and support the students who are interested in a future in medicine and research.

"It's remarkable to watch what these students can accomplish in one summer: how much they grow as individuals. It is such a rewarding experience for the interns, myself, and the scientist-mentors who train them," said Ray.

Fred Hutch is nationally recognized for their research and advances in discovering forms of cancer, cures, and the research and development of other diseases. Their mission is to eliminate cancer and related diseases as the cause of human suffering and death.

"We are proud to support Fred Hutch and their High School Summer Internship Program, because it aligns with our mission of giving back to education." said Inspirus Education and Community Development Manager Kendra Edlin. "When I heard about this program last year and met with the interns, I was amazed at the research they worked on all summer, and how much they learned in the process. Inspirus is thankful for the opportunity to support these students in their educational journeys."

The Inspirus grant covers research supplies for the Fred Hutch summer program. It honors the Credit Unions commitment to giving back to the educational efforts shared in the community, fueling programming that strengthens and supports excellence in high school science, and growing the pipeline of future scientists and educators.

About Inspirus Credit Union
Founded in 1936 by a Seattle teacher, Inspirus serves more than 80,000 members across Washington who share a passion for education. With $1 billion in assets, Inspirus operates branches in Seattle and Spokane. Its philanthropy model includes education-giveback programs that allow members to direct charitable contributions to schools in their communities. Employees donate upwards of 800 volunteer hours a year in support of education. In addition, community education representatives provide free financial seminars, professional development, and recognition to school employees statewide. For more information, visit inspirusCU.org.

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SOURCE Inspirus Credit Union