MedSTEM Pathways

IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE:

In light of the developments with COVID-19, we want to keep you informed about our plans for this summer. At this time, decisions have been made to continue the MedSTEM Explorers and MedSTEM Pathways virtually this summer. If you have any questions about this change, please contact us at [email protected].

What is MedSTEM Pathways?

MedSTEM Pathways is an internship program at Rush University Medical Center for high school upperclassmen in Chicago. Students will get work-based learning experience by interning in a department of the hospital or at a partner organization aligned to the career they hope to pursue. There are three sessions: summer, fall, and spring. The summer session is our largest and most comprehensive, and it includes 8 hours per week of classes in college and career readiness, life skills, and workforce development skills. The fall and spring sessions are typically open to students who participated in the summer session and only involves the internship portion.

Whether you’re interested in mental health, allied health, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare, law, media, research, or any other field, we help motivated high school students make the most of their summer, fall, and spring and make more informed decisions about college and career plans.

Spring Session

Description

Spring interns will spend up to 12 hours per week gaining work-based learning experience in designated departments at Rush University Medical Center. These departments may include Diagnostics, Clinical Engineering, ER, Finance, Research, and more. Internship days and times vary depending on the student and department's availability. The program will run for 10 weeks in the spring, from January 17, 2022 to March 25, 2022.

This session is only available to students who have previously participated in the MedSTEM Program.

Requirements

Junior or Senior in high school

Returning MedSTEM student

Minimum 2.5 weighted GPA

90% Attendance Record

Preference is given to students with any of the following qualifications:

Richard T. Crane Medical Prep High School student
Benito Juarez Community Academy student
Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy student
Michele Clark Magnet High School student
North-Grand High School student
SAME Network alum
Resident of one of our Anchor Mission communities (60607, 60608, 60612, 60622, 60624, 60639, 60644, 60647, 60651, 60302, 60303, 60305)

Application Process

Important Dates

2021 Spring Session Cancelled

Summer Session

Description

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 careers, students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials.

By integrating technical knowledge and social-emotional learning, MedSTEM Pathways leverages experiential learning for self-efficacy, job readiness, and leadership in the STEM and healthcare fields.

The program will run for 6 weeks in the summer, from June 21, 2021, to August 6, 2021. Interns will spend 8 hours on Thursdays taking classes in specialized pathways related to their career interests. They will also spend up to 12 hours per week gaining work-based learning experience in designated departments like Diagnostics, Clinical Engineering, ER, Finance, Research, and more. This combination of in-class and experiential learning will help interns strengthen college readiness and life skills through academic and personal development. Interns must be present for the entire program.

Requirements

Rising Junior by Summer 2021

Minimum 2.5 weighted GPA

90% Attendance Record

Preference is given to students with any of the following qualifications:

Richard T. Crane Medical Prep High School student
Benito Juarez Community Academy student
Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy student
Michele Clark Magnet High School student
North-Grand High School student
SAME Network alum
Resident of one of our Anchor Mission communities (60607, 60608, 60612, 60622, 60624, 60639, 60644, 60647, 60651, 60302, 60303, 60305)

Application Process

Apply

Meet the minimum requirements
Gather a resume, a letter of recommendation, and an unofficial transcript
Click “Apply” to fill out and submit your application

Interview

You will receive an email notification if you have been selected for an interview
Schedule and attend your interview
You will receive an email notification if you have been selected for the Internship Program

Prepare

Submit After School Matters application (for payment purposes)
Attend Orientation and Training Day
Schedule a TB test (must be negative)

Important Dates

Apply Here

2021 Summer Applications Open Jan 25, 2021 at NOON.

Fall Session

Description

Fall interns will spend up to 12 hours per week gaining work-based learning experience in designated departments at Rush University Medical Center. These departments may include Diagnostics, Clinical Engineering, ER, Finance, Research, and more. Internship days and times vary depending on the student and department's availability. The program will run for 10 weeks in the fall.

This session is only available to students who have previously participated in the MedSTEM Program.

Requirements

Junior or Senior in high school

Returning MedSTEM student

Minimum 2.5 weighted GPA

90% Attendance Record

Preference is given to students who match any of the following:

Richard T. Crane Medical Prep High School student
Benito Juarez Community Academy student
Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy student
Michele Clark Magnet High School student
North-Grand High School student
SAME Network alum
Resident of one of our Anchor Mission communities (60607, 60608, 60612, 60622, 60624, 60639, 60644, 60647, 60651, 60302, 60303, 60305)

Application Process

Important Dates

Please check back in summer for information on the Fall 2021 session.

Program Benefits

Academic Enrichment

Students will be a part of a supportive learning community where they can step beyond the comfortable routines of the classroom and actively shape their education and their lives.

Networking

Student will be able to connect with healthcare providers, STEM professionals, and alumni in order to gain important knowledge about their desired fields and succeeding in their chosen colleges and careers.

Industry Recognized Credentials

Students will be given the opportunity to take courses that provide industry recognized certifications (CNA, PCT, etc.) and early college credit.

Hands-On Learning

Students will work alongside doctors, nurses, technicians, and tradesmen/women receiving on-the-job learning about specific procedures and tasks that relate to the profession.