Diversity & Community Health Equity

UI Health CHAMPIONS is an initiative dedicated to advancinc 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.

We invite prospective students, partners, and community members to share our mission. Please join us and support our programs as we work to empower youth to improve health outcomes in Chicagoland neighborhoods. 

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

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

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.

Transportation & Food

Ventra passes, light breakfast, and lunch provided.

(Health) Professional Skills

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

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.

Click here to download the UI Health CHAMPIONS one-pager here.