List of Programs
Mini Health Professions Program (MHPP)
A science immersion experience that introduces middle schoolers to the wonders of the health sciences and the healthcare professions through anatomical dissections, experiments and lectures. Focused on hands-on learning experiences, the program helps students develop critical-thinking skills while making connections with mentors and role models.
Contact: Dr. Darcy Goldfarb
Email: mhpp@uic.edu
Early Outreach Program (EOP)
A pre-college program for middle and high school students. Initiatives include ACT Prep, Saturday Prep for Health Careers Academy, Exploring Opportunities in Pharmacy, and Summer Health Careers Explorations.
Contact: Marissa Charleston, EOP Director
Email: eopprograms@uic.edu
Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars (CHESS)
A summer cancer research-focused program for high schoolers. The primary collaborator is the UIC Cancer Center Partner. The students conduct research in the lab under a faculty mentor’s guidance, complete a science report, and deliver both a poster and oral presentation.
Contact: Ifeanyi Beverly Chukwudozie, Director, Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination
Email: iabado2@uic.edu
High School Initiatives
An after-school club focused on health professions for high school students in which they participate during the school year. The UIC Office of High School Initiatives is the Primary Partner.
Contact: Dr. Darryl Pendleton, Executive Director
Email: dpendle@uic.edu
Prep for Health Careers High School Academy
Programs for high school juniors and seniors at UIC campuses in Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford, including college prep, health career exploration, and interactive health projects. The Ambassador Pre-Health Saturday Academy offers junior and senior high school students from historically marginalized communities who have an interest in health careers. These are comprehensive programs including workshops on college applications, exposure to health careers, and interactive public health and health advocacy projects. The program also focuses on standardized test preparation, financial literacy, hands-on shadowing, and volunteer opportunities. The program meets for six hours on 20 selected Saturdays from September to May.
Contact: Marissa Charleston
Email: mcharl5@uic.edu
Ambassadors Program
The Ambassadors Program is a six-week summer program designed to support pre-health students from historically marginalized backgrounds. The program aims to enhance their competitiveness for entering the health science professions by providing guidance on admissions, personal essay writing, interviews, financial aid and test preparation.
Contact: Francisco Piña
Email: fpina@uic.edu
UI Health CHAMPIONS
An initiative for high school students dedicated to making changes in health through an innovative approach. We seek to create academic and professional avenues to health career pathways for college-bound high school youth through career exposure, academic enrichment, and workforce development programs and opportunities.
Contact: Natalia Suarez
Email: uihealthchampions@uic.edu