Programs

MedSTEM Pathways

Rush University Medical Center

In this paid internship program for rising high school juniors and seniors and recent graduates, students intern in a department of Rush University Medical Center or a partner organization related to the career they hope to pursue.

MedSTEM Pathways encompasses three sessions: summer, fall and spring. The summer session, the largest and most comprehensive, complements the internship experience with classes in college and career readiness, life skills and workplace skills. The fall and spring sessions, involving the internship experience only, are open to participants from the summer session.

Whether you’re interested in medicine, allied health, IT, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, research or any other field, we’ll help you make the most of your time and make more informed decisions about college and career plans.

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Program Components

Primary Areas of Focus
  • Academic preparation (e.g., increasing STEM knowledge
  • Retention or completion of health professions degree programs (support for those currently enrolled)

Program Locations

Cook County / Chicago, IL

  • In-person
    Rush University
Time Periods

Summer Session Program dates: June 19 to August 4, 2023

Program Components
  • Academic instruction (e.g. coursework)
  • Health career exploration (e.g. job shadowing, career fairs)
    Spring interns will spend up to 12 hours per week gaining work-based learning experience in Rush University Medical Center departments such as diagnostics, clinical engineering, the emergency department, finance, research and more. Internship days and times vary depending on student and department availability.
  • Networking (with others who have similar health career interests)
  • Research experience (e.g. summer program)
    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. This combination of in-class and experiential learning helps interns strengthen college readiness and life skills. Interns must be present for the entire program.

Participants and Eligibility

Education Levels
Health Professions
Duration of Program

6 weeks

Applications and Costs

Apply here
Eligibility Criteria
  • Academic
    Junior or senior in high school
  • Socio-economic background
    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 Rush’s Anchor Mission communities (ZIP codes 60607, 60608, 60612, 60622, 60624, 60639, 60644, 60647, 60651, 60302, 60303, 60305)
Required Application Components

Junior or senior in high school

Returning MedSTEM participant

Minimum 2.5 weighted GPA

90% school 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 Rush’s Anchor Mission communities (ZIP codes 60607, 60608, 60612, 60622, 60624, 60639, 60644, 60647, 60651, 60302, 60303, 60305)

Contact Information

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Contact

Rush Education and Career Hub

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