Building an Equitable Health Care Workforce
Through the RUSH Education and Career Hub
Regardless of their age, race or ZIP code, people deserve to receive the highest quality care from providers who reflect the communities they serve. In fact, greater diversity in the health care workforce is proven to improve outcomes for everyone by combatting the harmful implicit biases that give rise to disparities.
At RUSH, these are guiding principles — part of our dedication to health equity, or the idea that everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. For this reason, we are building and scaling health career pathways for community residents from underrepresented backgrounds — pathways to higher-paying careers that fill gaps in high-demand fields.
The RUSH Education and Career Hub, or REACH, provides innovative, hands-on STEM learning from cradle to career for students in the systemically underserved neighborhoods surrounding RUSH University Medical Center. The hub, which launched in 1990, aims to increase postsecondary achievement and diversity in health care, science, technology, engineering and math professions. It offers multiple entry points for people of all ages to obtain personal and professional development, mentorship, and financial and career guidance. Through REACH, we are increasing opportunity and access to high-quality education with an eye toward creating more just, vibrant communities for everyone.
Expanding our REACH in the Community
REACH seeks to connect students, parents, educators and staff to spark and catalyze STEM learning inside and outside the classroom. Our team supports individuals to explore STEM and health care careers and address challenges in their communities and beyond, improving overall community health. Our goal is to train and recruit 2,030 underrepresented students to STEM and health care careers by 2030.
Through REACH, we create equitable pathways to college and careers by providing enrichment programming that helps students build skills for success in school and the workforce. Our students learn communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and leadership skills. The REACH team, led by Rukiya Curvey Johnson, MBA, vice president of Community Health Equity at RUSH, is acutely attuned to the understanding that systemic racism and disinvestment on Chicago’s West Side create deep inequities that require resources to fill. Donor support helps us sustain and expand our innovative, hands-on learning programs, ensuring more people have access to education beyond high school — a key predictor of longer life spans and better health outcomes.
Offering Programs for Students of All Ages
REACH offers 15 programs, outlined below, categorized by age for preschool students through adults. These versatile offerings ensure people of any age can receive training to enter prosperous careers in STEM and health care.
Grades Pre-K–5
Grades 6–8
Grades 9–12
“My favorite motto is: If not you, then who? REACH has taught me to not doubt myself and to have the confidence to help out my community. I’ve grown with REACH, not outgrown REACH.”
Monica Padilla REACH alum and Youth Advisory Council member
College & Beyond
Early Exploration in STEM and Career Awareness
Key Outcomes:
Interest in STEM
Foundational academic skills
Awareness of own interests
Early career aspirations
Enrichment experiences
Early Childhood & Primary School Programs
• STEMagineers
• Community OutREACH
• Educator Learning Labs
• IT Explorations
Career Awareness, Skill and Attitude Building
Key Outcomes:
Ability to collaborate Planning, goal setting
Career awareness, aspirations Connections between school and work College-going attitude
Middle School Programs
• Future Ready Learning Labs
• Vitals for STEM Success
• Future Health Professionals (HOSA Jr)
• IT Explorations
Career Exploration, Exposure, Strengthening Skills
Key Outcomes:
Employability and life skills
College preparedness
Self-efficacy
Occupational identity
High School Programs
• MedSTEM Explorers
• MedSTEM Pathways
• REACH for IT
• Bridges Mentoring
Career Pathway
Training and Development
Key Outcomes:
Technical training
Workplace experiences
Social capital
College persistence and graduation
Employment in health care or STEM
Programs for College & Beyond
• College Career Pathways
• Community Health Equity Research Scholars
• RUSH Career Academy
• RU Ready MedSchool
Bolster Education and Workforce Development at RUSH
Investments in education and workforce development programs improve access to educational attainment and build pathways to careers that provide living-wage employment while strengthening the diversity of the health care workforce. By creating a health care workforce representative of those it serves, we will reduce disparities in care and improve outcomes for all patients.
To make a gift or learn more about supporting education and workforce development through REACH at RUSH, scan the QR code, visit rushgiving.com/reachweb or contact:
Michelle Boardman
Senior Director of Development
(312) 942-6884
michelle_a_boardman@rush.edu