Background

The Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative (ChicagoCHEC) is a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer partnership led by the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Northeastern Illinois University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Our mission is to advance cancer health equity through meaningful scientific discovery, education, training, and community engagement. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to attain their highest level of health. The ChicagoCHEC Fellows program, which seeks to increase the number of strong and diverse social, behavioral, and biomedical researchers and healthcare professionals, is critical to that vision.

This program seeks outstanding undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students with an interest in health and health care who: (1) possess the commitment to apply to graduate or medical school; and (2) can bring diverse perspectives and experiences to advance the nation’s work toward cancer health equity.

The summer intensive experience prepares students for careers in social, behavioral, and biomedical research and in healthcare. During the intensive 8-week program, fellows will meet with leading scholars in basic, clinical, translational, prevention, control, behavioral, and population research over a course of research rotations at Northwestern University, the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of Illinois at Chicago, the University of Illinois Cancer Center, and Northeastern Illinois University. In addition, fellows will participate in journal clubs, case studies, peer mentoring workshop design and facilitation with high school students, and group activities to develop communication, career readiness, writing, and critical thinking skills, as well as leadership development focused on self-reflection, building resiliency, understanding conflict, and finding mentors. At the end of the program, fellows are expected to present at a symposium organized by ChicagoCHEC. Following the summer intensive program, fellows may have an increased likelihood of obtaining a position within a research project with a ChicagoCHEC research mentor. These research team placements are not guaranteed. Fellows may have opportunities to perform research during the academic year for course credit (e.g., independent study). ChicagoCHEC research mentors are leading scholars in a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines working toward cancer health equity. Under the supervision of the team in which they are placed, fellows may have the opportunity to participate in a range of research activities, including, but not limited to:

• Collecting, maintaining, and analyzing data
• Performing scientific literature searches
• Recruiting and enrolling research participants
• Delivering health programs, including education, outreach, and interventions
• Participating in project team meetings
• Preparing a research report or poster presentation
• Designing and facilitating near-peer mentoring workshops with high school students

ChicagoCHEC Fellowship assignments are supplemented throughout the year by seminars and group discussions on a variety of research topics, as well as professional development and leadership training. 

At the conclusion of the program, fellows become part of an alumni network and typically attend ChicagoCHEC’s annual meetings, and become mentors to subsequent years’ ChicagoCHEC Fellows. Fellows are expected to meet ChicagoCHEC’s requirements for the submission of periodic information needed for overall project performance monitoring, which includes annual monitoring of a fellow’s career progression.

Eligibility criteria

The ChicagoCHEC Fellowship is a research experience and enrichment program for undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students interested in learning more about the biological, environmental, social, and genetic causes of health disparities. Students with a keen interest in careers in social, behavioral, and biomedical research, as well as students interested in attending medical or other health professional school programs, are especially encouraged to apply. The admission committee will give preference to students from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (including but not limited to African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders), individuals with disabilities, and/or individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. ChicagoCHEC welcomes applications from students in all disciplines and encourages first-generation college students to apply.

To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to receive the stipend.
• Be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior, at Northeastern Illinois University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, or Northwestern OR be enrolled at least half-time at one of the City Colleges of Chicago or one of the Community/Junior Colleges in the Chicago metropolitan area. 
• Intend to apply to graduate or professional school. Community college students must intend to apply to a four-year college.
• Be able to attend the ChicagoCHEC Fellows program for 8 weeks, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The program will be in person and primarily take place in downtown Chicago. You are responsible for travel to and from the program locations unless otherwise specified.

Selection criteria

Members of the ChicagoCHEC Research Education Core will assess each applicant based on the following criteria:

• Academic, professional, and personal achievements
• Potential for future growth and career advancement
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Individual plans for incorporating the fellowship experience into specific career goals