Our Mission
The mission of REACH is to support education from cradle to career by providing innovative, hands-on STEM learning to underrepresented youth so they can reach their academic and professional potential; increasing postsecondary education and interest in health care and STEM careers.
Our Vision
We are developing a diverse talent pipeline for the healthcare workforce of the future.
Our Team


Our Legacy
Reginald "Hats" Adams
1940-2015
In 1990, Reginald “Hats” Adams, who led Rush’s Department of Community Affairs, developed the Science and Math Excellence (SAME) Network in response to the low science, math and reading test scores in public schools surrounding Rush on the West and Southwest Sides of Chicago.
In 2017, SAME transitioned and transformed into the Rush Education and Career Hub (REACH) as part of Rush’s broader strategy to be a catalyst for community health and economic vitality. The newly created REACH would serve as the strategic lead for PreK-16 education and career outreach across the Rush University Medical Center System.
Our Legacy
Reginald "Hats" Adams
1940-2015
In 1990, Reginald “Hats” Adams, who led Rush’s Department of Community Affairs, developed the Science and Math Excellence (SAME) Network in response to the low science, math and reading test scores in public schools surrounding Rush on the West and Southwest Sides of Chicago.
In 2017, SAME transitioned and transformed into the Rush Education and Career Hub (REACH) as part of Rush’s broader strategy to be a catalyst for community health and economic vitality. The newly created REACH would serve as the strategic lead for PreK-16 education and career outreach across the Rush University Medical Center System.


Our Mission
The mission of REACH is to support education from cradle to career by providing innovative, hands-on STEM learning to underrepresented youth so they can reach their academic and professional potential; increasing postsecondary education and interest in health care and STEM careers.
Our Vision
We are developing a diverse talent pipeline for the healthcare workforce of the future.
Our Approach
We connect with students, parents, educators, and staff to spark and catalyze STEM learning in and outside the classroom; to design solutions and address challenges in their communities and beyond; improving overall community health. Through academic enrichment, mentoring, and internships; We are building a best-in class pipeline for STEM and healthcare fields.
Our Approach
We connect with students, parents, educators, and staff to spark and catalyze STEM learning in and outside the classroom; to design solutions and address challenges in their communities and beyond; improving overall community health. Through academic enrichment, mentoring, and internships; We are building a best-in class pipeline for STEM and healthcare fields.
School Partners & Supporters
Rush University Medical Center partners with elementary and high schools on Chicago's West Side to provide enrichment, community engagement, and career exploration opportunities for youth. Whether collaborating with Pre-K teachers on lessons to explore the five senses, bringing nutritionists in for healthy eating and nutrition lessons, or hosting career panels for high school students; we connect with students, parents, educators, and staff to spark and catalyze STEM learning in and outside the classroom.
Current School Partners
Helen M. Hefferan STEM Elementary School
Robert Nathaniel Dett Elementary School
Washington Irving Elementary School
Genevieve Melody STEM Elementary School
Josiah Pickard Elementary School
Michele Clark Magnet High School (Early College STEM)
Instituto Health Sciences Academy
Benito Juarez Community Academy
North Grand High School
We also serve as a community resource for West Side area schools.
Schools interested in learning more about the healthcare field or field trips to Rush, please submit an inquiry form.
Communities We Serve
Austin
Belmont Craigin
East Garfield Park
Humboldt Park
Lower West Side
Near West Side
North Lawndale
South Lawndale
West Garfield Park
West Town
Program Partners

