UI Health CHAMPIONS

UI Health CHAMPIONS is an initiative dedicated to advancing 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 

Summer Internship

• Six-week program from mid-June to July. 
• Enrichment program for college-bound high school juniors and seniors on the pre-health track. 
• Application cycle opens in December and closes in March

Saturday Academy

• Six consecutive Saturdays in October and November. 
• Exposure program for college-bound high school sophomores and juniors on the pre-health track. 
• Application cycle opens late summer/early fall

Program Details

• Meets on UIC East and West campuses. 
• Stipend available based on University eligibility, program attendance, and participation. 

Program participants engage in health career exploration and multidisciplinary experiences in partnership with:

• UIC Urban Health Program
• UIC Hispanic Center of Excellence Medicina Academy Apprentice Program
• UIC Health Sciences Colleges
• Illinois Heart Rescue (bystander CPR training)
• Within Thin Lines Foundation (BLS CPR & AED certification and B-Con/ Stop the Bleed training)

Compensation^*

Eligible participants can earn competitive stipends.

• Summer Internship: Up to 120 total hours (20 hrs/wk); stipend of up to $1,992.
• Saturday Academy: $75 per session (six sessions total); stipend of up to $450.
  ^*Stipend amounts are subject to change.

(Health) Professional Skills

Participants receive pre-health advising; develop workforce skills and competencies.

Transportation & Food

Ventra passes, light breakfast, and lunch provided.

Branded Merch^*

Participants receive t-shirts, sweaters, and supplies (e.g., drawstring bag, pens, notebook, water bottle).
^*Merch offerings vary.

Networking

Participants partake in a Networking Café with UIC/UI Health leadership and staff .

Health Career Exposure

Career exploration in partnership with UIC Health Sciences Colleges & partners.

Professional Skills

Participants build core professional skills in preparation for Networking Café.

Networking Café

Participants explore the career journeys of UIC/UI Health leaders & guests.

College Readiness

College prep workshops led by UIC pre-health undergraduate students.

Interactive Activities

Hands-on activities led by UIC (pre-)health professional students & UIC/UI Health staff.

Field Trips

Educational & interactive tours across UIC's East & West campuses.

Workforces Readiness

Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences including simulated skills development

Post-Secondary Pathways

• Engagement with UIC health sciences colleges and industry stakeholders to create valuable programs and opportunities
• Health career awareness and exploration
• College readiness

Health Advocacy

Embed and practices UI Health I CARE values