Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success Foundation™

We aim to increase underrepresented Illinois students in major healthcare and related STEMM professions by providing the strongest educational foundation and access to resources.

Our Programs

Our hands-on programs focus on STEMM and STEAM education for middle school, high school and college-level students. Our leaders introduce growth goals, provide consistent guidance towards a degree and create pathways for workforce development. Our customized database can quickly filter your or a student’s search for STEMM and STEAM programs, courses, workforce development and activities throughout Illinois.

CPASS Mini-Medical Schools

Fourth and fifth grade students perform cool experiments and learn about the body and its systems in Rush Mini-Medical School.

STEMM Scholars Academy

The STEMM Scholars Academy offers a free 5-week STEMM program for high school students, providing academic and holistic development, networking with professionals, and college prep resources.

Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program™ (CAHMCP)

CAHMCP (“Champs”) gives underrepresented high school and college students the knowledge and support they need to pursue medical careers.
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Use our search tool to find STEMM programs near you in the areas that you’re interested in.

STEMM Education

STEMM is important in every area of our lives. With a STEMM education, students can be part of the next generation of innovators.

Study Tips for STEMM Students [Guide]

Get your free Quick Guide to become a successful S.T.E.M student.

What Our Alumni Say

Professionals who were launched on their future careers by our programs talk about STEMM, their education, and the opportunities they received.

Eric Whitaker, MD, MPH

Chair, CPASS Foundation

“Until CAHMCP, I was not supported in my dream of becoming a doctor. It was an eye-opening experience to be with students of color who all valued education.”

Laura Lucero, MD

Family Practice/Chief Medical Officer, Beloved Community Family Wellness Center

“I’ve never studied so hard, tried so hard. I was in that anatomy course all day long. I finally got into medical school a year later.”

Mildred M. G. Olivier, MD

Professor of Ophthalmology and Assistant Dean for Diversity and Learning Environment, Chicago Medical School of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

“CAHMCP gave me a group of friends I studied with in medical school, and we tried to be the best that we could be.”

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News & Events

News

CPASS Foundation Honors Dr. Trevonne M. Thompson with 2024 John Bradley Award for Inspirational Leadership

CPASS Foundation Honors Dr. Trevonne M. Thompson with 2024 John Bradley Award for Inspirational Leadership

Press Release: CPASS Foundation Honors Dr. Trevonne M. Thompson with 2024 John Bradley Award for Inspirational Leadership. Dr. Thompson, a professor of Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology at the University of Illinois Chicago, is recognized for his exceptional work in promoting diversity in STEMM fields. His leadership and mentorship have profoundly impacted underrepresented students pursuing careers in medicine. The award will be presented at the Annual STEMM Pathways to Health Equity Breakfast on October 5, 2024.

Events

The Blog

Welcome Tracie Screven as Associate Director for the CPASS Foundation

Tracie Screven is an adept technical professional with exceptional project management and strategy experience. In previous years, Tracie held various roles in Research and Development at Kraft Heinz for over 16 years. And most recently she held roles at SMASH as Site...