The CPASS Foundation is proud to announce the selection of the STEMM Scholars Academy Class of 2029, welcoming 39 exceptional rising high school sophomores from across Illinois into the Foundation’s flagship STEMM talent development program.
This year’s incoming class represents the largest cohort in STEMM Scholars Academy history, a milestone that reflects both the growing demand for advanced STEMM enrichment opportunities and CPASS’s continued commitment to preparing the next generation of scientists, physicians, researchers, engineers, public health leaders, and innovators.
The STEMM Scholars Academy proudly continues the legacy of the Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program™ (CAHMCP), one of the nation’s pioneering pathway programs established in 1979 to increase the number of underrepresented students entering health and science professions. For 47 years, the mission has remained remarkably consistent: identify talented students, provide them with meaningful academic enrichment and mentorship, expose them to STEMM careers, and equip them with the tools to succeed. Today, the STEMM Scholars Academy builds upon that foundation by preparing students not only for careers in medicine and healthcare, but across the broader spectrum of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. As a result, CPASS proudly operates one of the oldest continuously active STEMM pathway programs in the United States, carrying forward a legacy that has inspired generations of scholars while adapting to meet the workforce needs of the future.
The Class of 2029 reflects the changing face of the STEMM workforce and the communities it serves. Nearly half of the scholars identify as African American or Black, more than two-fifths identify as Hispanic or Latino, and the cohort also includes Asian and Caucasian students. Together, these scholars represent a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that will enrich classroom discussions, collaborative learning, and future leadership in STEMM fields. Consistent with the CPASS mission, the majority of scholars come from populations that have historically been underrepresented in STEMM education and careers.
The geographic diversity of the cohort is equally impressive. While most scholars reside in Chicago, the Class of 2029 also includes students from other cities, demonstrating the growing reach of CPASS throughout Illinois. Together, these scholars represent communities large and small, urban and suburban, united by a shared passion for learning and a desire to make a difference through STEMM.
Over the next three years, these scholars will participate in a rigorous and transformative educational experience designed to prepare them for success in college and STEMM careers. Through the STEMM Scholars Academy and STEMM Scholars Academy Plus, students will engage in advanced STEMM coursework, mentorship, leadership development, college readiness programming, career exploration, research experiences, and a five-week summer residential experience on a university campus. They will learn from college faculty, healthcare professionals, scientists, engineers, researchers, and industry leaders who will help guide their academic and professional journeys.
The importance of programs like the STEMM Scholars Academy has never been greater. STEM occupations continue to be among the fastest-growing and highest-demand careers in the United States, with particularly strong growth projected in healthcare, technology, engineering, data science, and scientific research. Yet significant disparities remain in awareness, preparation, and representation within many STEM fields. Research consistently demonstrates that early exposure to STEM learning, mentorship, and career exploration increases the likelihood that students will pursue STEM-related degrees and careers. By providing sustained academic enrichment, mentorship, and real-world experiences, CPASS is helping to build a stronger, more diverse STEMM workforce prepared to address society’s most pressing challenges.
“The Class of 2029 represents exactly why CPASS exists,” said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Chairman of the CPASS Foundation Board of Directors. “For nearly five decades, this organization and its predecessor programs have helped talented young people see themselves as future physicians, scientists, engineers, and leaders. This record-setting class reminds us that the need for strong STEMM pathways is as important today as it was 47 years ago. These scholars represent extraordinary promise, and we are honored to help them begin a journey that will shape not only their futures, but the future of our communities and our nation.“
The CPASS Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Lewis University and The Chicago School for their continued partnership and commitment to the STEMM Scholars Academy. Their support provides scholars with access to university facilities, faculty expertise, mentorship opportunities, and transformative learning experiences that strengthen the pathway from high school to college and STEMM careers.
As the Class of 2029 begins its journey, it joins a proud network of scholars, alumni, educators, mentors, and partners whose roots extend back to 1979, when the Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program™ first opened doors for aspiring students interested in health and science careers. For 47 years, CPASS and its predecessor programs have remained steadfast in their commitment to developing talented young people and expanding access to STEMM opportunities. The STEMM Scholars Academy Class of 2029 now becomes part of that remarkable legacy and the next chapter in a story that continues to transform lives across Illinois. Welcome to the CPASS family, Class of 2029. The future of STEMM is brighter because of you.
About the STEMM Scholars Academy
The STEMM Scholars Academy is CPASS Foundation’s premier three-year talent development program for high-achieving high school students interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Through academic enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, college readiness programming, research exposure, and experiential learning opportunities, the Academy equips scholars with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in STEMM education and careers while advancing the legacy of one of the nation’s longest-running pathway programs.