POC recently had the honor of participating in the graduation ceremony for the first and second-year cohorts of the Future Gen Cancer Scholars ⏤a milestone that speaks to the power of investing in young people and the communities they’ll go on to serve.

“POC is founded on a principle of opportunity, and this program is designed to do just that….give opportunity to young people who might not otherwise have access to such a unique fellowship,” said POC founder Barbara Papitto. “It is truly inspiring to see how excited these young aspiring medical professionals are to be engaged with some of our state’s leading physicians and researchers.”

The FutureGen Cancer Scholar’s fellowship gives Rhode Island high schoolers from the state’s most underserved communities including Pawtucket, Central Falls and Providence, a truly rare experience: hands-on time shadowing top cancer physicians and accessing state-of-the-art labs across Brown University Health, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, and The Miriam Hospital.

Each summer, the program engages approximately 50 mentors ⏤ physicians, fellows, medical students, researchers, nurses, and specialists from departments spanning Hematology/Oncology, Radiology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Pharmacy, and beyond ⏤ all committed to nurturing the next wave of healthcare professionals.

Adam Sackor, a rising senior at Juanita Sanchez High School and a recent Future Gen Scholar graduate, embraced the opportunity to spend two summers working along Rhode Island’s top doctors. “It’s just a stepping stone for our futures and being a part of this program has influenced me to do many things. I’m excited for what the future’s going to bring.” said Sackor.

Now in its fourth year, the program reflects POC’s $10 million commitment over five years ⏤ a testament to POC’s belief that meaningful opportunity starts with meaningful investment. The results speak for themselves: more than 70 students have completed the program to date, which boasts an impressive 95% completion rate. Today, 16 scholars are actively enrolled, and recruiting for the upcoming year will begin soon.

Hellen Laredo, a rising junior at Davies Career & Technical School, recently completed her first year in the program. “The biggest lessons that I’ve learned in this program has not come from textbooks in the classrooms, but from the patients,” said Laredo. “I’ve seen how patients react, how patients see me, how they see the future of healthcare and medicine and it’s just so beautiful and so motivating to be here.”

Click here to hear from POC Founder Barbara Papitto about Future Gen and to learn more about the program.