Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success Foundation™
We strive to broaden outreach, inspiring individuals from all backgrounds—including those from historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities—to pursue and persist in healthcare and related STEMM fields by providing a strong educational foundation and equitable access to essential resources and opportunities.
Our Programs
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 provides Illinois high school students from all backgrounds—including those from historically underrepresented and/or under-resourced communities—with a fully funded, three-year immersive experience. This journey includes a five-week residential summer session and is designed to cultivate academic excellence, build professional networks, and strengthen college readiness for success in healthcare and STEMM careers.
Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program™ (CAHMCP)
CAHMCP (“Champs”) supports AAMC-defined underrepresented medical students in Illinois — talented scholars who have earned their place through merit, excellence, and innovation — with the resources and mentorship to thrive in their studies and excel throughout their medical careers.
Use our search tool to find STEMM programs near you in the areas that you’re interested in.
STEMM Education
Study Tips for STEMM Students [Guide]
What Our Alumni Say
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
Meet the Residents
Charles Tate and Charissa Carroll mark significant milestones in their medical careers with help from the CPASS Foundation. Charles Tate was one of more than 30 million viewers who regularly tuned in to watch ER, a top-rated hospital drama that capped NBC’s “Must See...
CPASS Foundation’s STEMM Scholars Program Takes On Midwestern University To Explore Healthcare Careers Hands-On
This summer, our CPASS Foundation STEMM Scholars Academy gave high school sophomores an exciting glimpse into the world of healthcare during their visit to Midwestern University’s Downers Grove Campus. Designed to empower racially and ethnically underrepresented...
Events
CPASS Announces 2025 John Bradley Award Honoree: Dr. Mildred Olivier
The CPASS Foundation is proud to announce that Dr. Mildred MG Olivier, nationally renowned ophthalmologist, healthcare equity advocate, and CAHMCP alumna, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the John Bradley STEM Award for Inspirational Leadership (JBSAIL). The...
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.
The Blog
Welcome Brittany Nunez as Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist for the CPASS Foundation!
Brittany Nunez is a seasoned marketing professional with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Marketing, from Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. As a first-generation college graduate, Brittany brings over eight years of...
Welcome Asia Lawrence as Program Director for the CPASS Foundation STEMM Scholars Academy!
Asia brings a unique background to his role as Program Director for the CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy. As a first-generation college graduate, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Georgia State University and expanded his knowledge in Logistics...
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...