During the past year, the ACHIEVE Program brought together undergraduate students from University of Chicago and high school students from our Woodlawn campus to explore issues at the cross-section of education and health. The program includes a combination of seminars and projects, on which high school students worked closely with and received direct mentorship from undergraduates.
After two successful pilots at our Woodlawn campus, the ACHIEVE program has expanded to enable students from other local CPS high schools to participate. The program is led by Dr. Anna Volerman, Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, and Todd Barnett, Director of Community Partnerships at University of Chicago Charter School.
Participating students will read articles and attend seminars that interweave various topics related to health and education with a specific focus on disparities. Students will have a chance to meet a variety of health and educational professionals and engage in discussions. In addition, sessions will include hands-on skill development, such as goal setting, communication, and professional writing. Students will directly engage with local community organizations to complete a team project related to health and/or education that advances the community organization’s mission.
High school juniors and seniors are welcome to apply. The program is seeking individuals interested in disparities, health professions, education, or community engagement. Applicants must be available after school to attend seminars and work on the community projects. Participants will be expected to devote 5–8 hours weekly between September 27 – December 3, 2021; part of this time will be for seminars twice a week. No seminars will occur over Thanksgiving break. The program will be hybrid, with an aim to create an in-person experience for the seminars at the University of Chicago campus. To request to apply, email Todd Barnett at tbarnett@uchicagocharter.org.
Program benefits: Service-learning hours (40 hours) will be provided for high school students who successfully complete the program. Also, individuals who finish the program will have an opportunity to participate further in the spring session and to apply for a paid internship for summer 2022.
This program is funded through the generosity of the Hymen Milgrom Supporting Organization (HMSO).