News & Events
Applications for our MedStem Pathways and Explorers are officially open! Are you a high school student with a strong interest in healthcare careers? Then these programs are for you.
MedSTEM Pathways
Paid internship program for rising high school juniors and seniors and recent graduates. Interns spend up to 12 hours per week gaining work-based learning experience in designated Rush departments or partner organizations, plus 8-12 hours in classes related to certifications and /or their career interests.
- Program Dates: June 17, 2024 – July 26, 2024
- Eligibility: Minimum 2.5 weighted GPA, 90% Attendance Record
- Opportunity to gain community service experience
- Obtain mentoring
- Gain industry-recognized credentials
Please share with your network of peers, family and friends!
College Career Pathways – Summer 2024 Applications NOW OPEN!
Applications for our College Career Pathways – Summer Session are officially open! Are you an undergraduate student with a strong interest in healthcare careers, then this is the program for you.
Please share with your network of peers, family and friends!
Giving Tuesday!
Your gift to support the RUSH Education and Career Hub (REACH) helps build a best in class pipeline for tomorrow’s health care workforce. Your donation improves community health by sparking STEM learning inside and outside the classroom.
Happy Apprenticeship Week!
As we close out the week, we would like to acknowledge National Apprenticeship Week! REACH for IT is excited to welcome our new cohort of apprentices to campus this fall. We are dedicated to assisting them as they achieve success!
Stay tune for our 3rd cohort coming soon!
Career Days for Health Professions Week!
Rush Education and Career Hub (REACH) hosted Health Professions Career Day events on November 8th & 9th at William H. Brown STEM School. REACH brought in 10 volunteers with outstanding career experience in healthcare fields to speak to students from 2nd – 8th grade about their career pathways. Thank you to our partners at Brown School, the REACH team, and our wonderful volunteers for making this event a success!
Interested in volunteering? Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page here.
Mark Cuban Foundation News!
REACH for IT had the privilege to host the Chicago cohort of the Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI Bootcamp. Rush University Medical Center welcomed a diverse group of youths comprised of students from across Chicagoland with keen interests in technology. During the transformative four-week experience, students received essential AI instruction, engaged in hands-on activities and project-based learning.
Stay tune for future Chicago cohorts!
Interested in learning about our MedSTEM Program?
Join us for our MedSTEM Info and Application Prep Session, November 10. 2023 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Register via link in bio.
REACH – Youth Advisory Council
Are you interested in working with your peers to make an impact in your community by sharing your perspective? Apply to be a Youth Advisory Council member!
Submit your application via the button below. Please reach out to Lauren White at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Join us October 6th at 5PM for a virtual information session where you will hear all the details about the 2023 Coca Cola Scholars Program.
The application deadline is October 31st, 2022
Applicants must be:
- Current high school or home-schooled students who will graduate high school during the 2022-2023 school year
- U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Refugees, Asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees.
- Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university
Virtual Session: October 6th, 2022
Time: 5PM-6PM
Parents and high school students who are thinking about college are invited to join REACH for a virtual presentation on the financial aid process for undergraduate study on September 22nd from 6PM-7:30PM.
Our very own Deon Brown, Student Success Coach will present the process, provide resources and answer any questions you may have.
Virtual Session: September 22nd, 2022
Time: 6PM-7:30 PM
Vice President, Rukiya Curvey Johnson, MBA is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business list of “Notable Leaders in Community Development,” which honors 50 local executives who have made a difference in improving underserved and underinvested communities in Chicago.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be in the company of transformative leaders working to revitalize and build health communities across Chicago,” Curvey-Johnson said. “Increasing opportunity and access to high quality education, health, environment, and social/economic resources is critical to creating more just and vibrant communities for everyone.”
REACH is hosting a virtual information session to learn everything there is to know about The Gates Scholarship opportunity.
This is a highly selective scholarship for outstanding minority, high school seniors from low-income households.
Virtual Session: August 31st, 2022
Deadline: September 15th, 2022
If you are an 11th or 12th grader interested in Information Technology and Computer Science, then this apprenticeship opportunity is for you! It includes certifications in CompTIA Fundamentals+ and A+.
Priority will be given to those who are living and/or attending school in Chicago’s West Side area.
Deadline: September 11th, 2022
Duration: October 2022- June 2023
If you are an adult, 18+ years old without a 4-year degree and interested in Information Technology and Computer Science,then this apprenticeship opportunity is for you! It includes certifications in Google – IT Support, Data Analytics, Project Management, UX Design, Digital Marketing & E-Commerce, Android Development
Priority will be given to those who are living and/or attending school in Chicago’s West Side area.
Deadline: September 11th, 2022
Duration: October 2022- June 2023
Vitals for STEM Success is an afterschool science enrichment program for middle school students interested in healthcare careers. REACH is partnering with the Carole Robertson Center to host Vitals at two schools, Herzl School of Excellence and Lawndale Community Academy, beginning in October.
Details about the program:
- Two 10-week sessions of 1 hour STEM exploration labs
- Build interest and awareness of careers in STEM and healthcare fields
- Collaborative games and projects to learn about human body systems and healthcare career pathways
Join us for our Closing Celebration for MedSTEM Pathways and Explorers on Friday, August 5th, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Teamster Building, 300 S. Ashland Ave.
This will be a drive-by celebration where students can stop by to pick up their certificates of completion, and winners of the capstone showcase will be given their awards.
Come celebrate and network with your peers and REACH Staff!
With reports of COVID-19 cases on the rise and the new variant, the Rush Education and Career Hub has decided to move the MedSTEM Pathways and Explorers Capstone Showcase to virtual. The capstone presentations will remain on Friday, August 5th.
- MedSTEM Pathways – 9:00am – 10:30am
- MedSTEM Explorers – 10:30am – 12:00pm
Since the showcase date is rapidly approaching, please ensure you are on track to complete your project and seek additional support if needed. The capstone instructors will share information regarding the agenda and timeline for the virtual showcase this week during your scheduled classes.
Rush University Medical Center is hosting the One Box, One Community Donation Drive.
Come support our Rush community!
All donations will support the new Rush Veggie Rx Program; a food prescription program designed to address food insecurity and increase intake of fresh produce for Rush patients.
With your help, we can work towards improving patients’ health outcomes through your friendly donations of:
-Non-perishable food items
-Gift cards (Visa or Dollar Tree)
-Monetary donations
Deadline: July 29th, 2022
When: 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Where: RUSH Teamster Building
(300 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60607)
Coding Camp is focused on teaching 5th- 8th grade students how to build websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript foundation. This is an opportunity for students interested in STEM and living and/or attending school in Chicago’s West Side area.
Deadline: July 7th, 2022
When: July 11th – 22nd, 12 p.m.- 3 p.m.
Where: By The Hand – Moving Everest
416 North Laramie Avenue
Volunteering is so important for our communities!
Throughout the summer, students participate in a variety of community service initiatives to honor the REACH founder, Reginald “Hats” Adams.
Our Hats Day of Service was so much fun!
Are you interested in becoming a certified medical assistant?
Learn more about this amazing 18-month apprenticeship program at Rush, and gain valuable experience in the field!
Our Career Panel Series is fast approaching, and we need you to share your experience with the next generation of healthcare leaders!
Make sure you register today to volunteer for the dates below:
June 24, 2022 • Pathways to Nursing
July 8, 2022 • Pathways to Allied Health
July 15, 2022 • Pathways to Business in health administration
July 22, 2022 • Pathways to Medicine
July 26, 2022 • Pathways to IT
July 29, 2022 • Pathways to Research/science
Free Opportunity to Get It/Tech Certified!
Are you interested in gaining more IT skills? Do you want the chance to get connected to a high-paying career?
Sign up for REACH’s next round of certifications. Classes are only 10 weeks long and include a FREE exam voucher.
Deadline: April 25th, 2022
Start: May 2nd, 2022
Time: Mondays and Wednesdays 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Google Meets (Remote)
As a mentor, Rush staff and students have the opportunity to share their experiences and play a role in workforce development and healthcare career exploration for our youth. Mentors will be paired with one of our rising senior MedSTEM Pathways Interns to provide college- and career-focused mentoring throughout the summer and fall semester.
Deadline: May 13th, 2022
Apply Here
Have you received Financial Aid Award Letters and need help deciding the right financial match to plan about where to go to college? Get help in interpreting the Award Letters at REACH!
Get real-time assistance in interpreting Financial Aid Award Letters from Deon Brown, the REACH Student Success Coach and a team of ISACorp members from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Register here today!
Date: April 9th
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Interested in becoming a REACH intern host/preceptor?
Contact Nia Benton for more information [email protected]
Date: April 12th and April 20th
Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. CST
Location: Herrick #531 in Room 500
Have you received Financial Aid Award Letters and need help deciding the right financial match to plan about where to go to college? Get help in interpreting the Award Letters at REACH!
Get real-time assistance in interpreting Financial Aid Award Letters from Deon Brown, the REACH Student Success Coach and a team of ISACorp members from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Register here today!
Date: March 19th
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Join Chicago’s leading hospital systems on March 9th, 5-6pm, for a virtual info session about summer internship, training, and volunteer opportunities for high school students pursuing healthcare careers. You’ll also learn about a new searchable directory of youth programs for healthcare career awareness and advancement in Chicagoland.
Register here today!
Date: March 9th
Time: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Need help with your summer application?
We’re here to help you complete them!
You and a Rush staff member will be paired up to review your resume, cover letter, application, and participate in a mock interview.
Registration is required!
Date: February 3rd
Time: 4 p.m. -5 p.m. CST
Location: Zoom
MedSTEM Pathways and Explorers Applications open on January 24th.
MedSTEM Explorers is a paid enrichment program for rising high school sophomores and juniors. During one six-week summer session, students will explore careers and research real-world issues that affect their communities.
MedSTEM Pathways is a paid internship program for rising high school juniors and seniors and recent graduates. During the one six-week summer session, students will engage in hands-on learning to strengthen communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. In addition to skills development for higher education and career, students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials.
Join us to learn more about becoming a strong med school applicant. From the timing of application, application services, the personal statement, the MCAT, GPA, letters of recommendation, budget, and so much more!
Date: January 29th
Time: 10 a.m. -11a.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Are you preparing to take the MCAT exam? Join us for a conversation with current Rush Medical College students where they will share their best practices, advice, and talk about the ups and downs of their MCAT journey.
Student speakers are M.D Candidates Class of 2025 and are part of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) and Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) at Rush Medical College.
Date: Saturday, January 22nd
Time: 10 a.m. -11 a.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Do you need one-on-one advising regarding college access and success?
Deon Brown, Student Success Coach is here to help you!
Beginning January 19th you can contact Deon Brown during his office hours every Wednesday and Thursday from 4-6 p.m. CST or by appointment.
Contact Information: [email protected]
(312) 942-0487
The College Career Pathways program is offering an eight-week, 32 hours per week internship program for twelve highly motivated undergraduate college students with a strong interest in nursing, radiology & diagnostic, Information Technology (IT), public/community health, and many more healthcare careers.
The summer internship is designed to give relevant and needed exposure to hands-on workforce skills, on-the-job training, and provide the opportunity to gain industry-related credentials for those students seeking careers in the health sciences. Interns will be provided compensation for a Summer experience.
No travel or housing accommodations are provided.
Internship dates:
June 20-August 12, 2022
Application deadline:
February 18, 2022.
The Center for Community Health Equity is offering an eight-week, 40-hour per week internship program for four highly motivated undergraduate college students currently in their junior or senior year with a strong interest in research, health disparities, and community relations.
The summer internship held at Rush University is designed to give relevant and needed exposure to students seeking careers in the health sciences and research. Summer interns will be provided compensation for the experience (up to $5,000 before taxes; partial bi-weekly payment).
No travel or housing accommodations are provided. The internship is designed to give relevant and needed exposure to hands-on workforce skills, on-the-job training, and provide the opportunity to gain industry-related credentials for those students seeking careers in the health sciences. Interns will be provided compensation for a Summer experience.
No travel or housing accommodations are provided.
Internship dates:
June 20-August 12, 2022
Application Deadline:
February 18, 2022
Are you a college student interested in pursuing a career in healthcare in Chicagoland?
Join us to:
- Learn about internships, training programs, and volunteer opportunities at Chicagoland’s learning hospital systems
- Learn netowrking skills
- Network with peers and established healthcare professionals
- Gain insights on healthcare career pathways from panels of diverse healthcare professionals
Date: December 16, 2021
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. CST
Location: Virtual through Whova
Cost: Free
Register Now: chihealthworks.com/showcase
Dr. Georgia Bozeday, EdD, Director of Educational Services at Rush Neurobehavioral Center and Adjunct Instructor at Northeastern Illinois University, has extensive experience in education, speech language pathology, learning disabilities and gifted education. She currently manages the Executive Function projects and is instrumental in curriculum design and implementation of the RNBC Executive Functions programs.
Date: December 2, 2021
Time: 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Support Food Insecurity
Volunteers are needed to distribute healthy meals in West Garfield Park community for two Saturday shifts and home delivery.
First shift: 8:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Second shift: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Home delivery at Green Castle Building #1 and #2
Address: 311 W. Washington.
Food distribution will happen every Saturday until Dec. 8th (except Nov. 27th) in Aldi’s closed parking lot.
On Nov.19th food distribution will be at
New Mt. Pilgrim, 4301 W. Washington.
Click here to volunteer.
