Pathway Programs

Mini Medical School

In collaboration with North Chicago Community Partners, this is a free program for 4th, 5th and 6th grade students at AJ Katzenmaier Academy, Neal Math and Science Academy, and Lions Math & Science Christian Academy. In Mini Medical school students learn about healthcare careers in a fun, hands-on way and participate in a white coat ceremony earning their mini white coat.

Learn More about Mini Medical School

Contact: Chrysanthemum Gorospe
Email: cmsminimed@rosalindfranklin.edu
Phone: 847-578-3291

Nursing INSPIRE

Nursing INSPIRE Program is an 8-week (four days per week), paid educational opportunity for eligible students interested in exploring a career in nursing. The program runs during the summer months from June to August. Applications are welcome from juniors attending Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Highland Park, North Chicago, Round Lake, and Waukegan High Schools.

Learn More about Nursing INSPIRE

Contact: Dr. Mosilda Asanji
Email: mosilda.asanji@rosalindfranklin.edu

Science Saturdays

Science Saturdays teaches core lab techniques, the scientific method and other key science concepts to local high school students. This program provides academic engagement in the critical areas of math and science while helping students gain the skills, techniques and confidence they need to efficiently work in a laboratory setting. As a participant, you will attend 9 sessions on Saturdays from 10am - 2:30pm between June and August on campus in North Chicago. Lunch and transportation is provided. Science Saturdays enrolls up to 25 students each summer. 

Applications are closed for the 2025 program. Applications for 2026 will open in December 2025.

Contact: rachael.lange@rosalindfranklin.edu

INSPIRE

INSPIRE is an eight-week mentoring, research and academic preparation program designed to build the pathway for Lake County students pursuing higher education in the fields of science and biomedical research. Each participant has an opportunity to return to INSPIRE every summer through their Bachelor’s degree. INSPIRE aims to spark interest in advanced health and science professions to positively impact the services offered to our local community. Its primary goal is to provide hands-on biomedical research opportunities and mentorship to promising high school and college students.

INSPIRE students conduct original biomedical research under the direction of a graduate student mentor and faculty advisor. The program includes daily academic sessions, and weekly workshops on careers in healthcare, professional development and academic preparedness to improve student performance in writing, mathematics, science, and workplace etiquette. While in the program, students will be introduced to a wide range of health professions and interprofessional research opportunities and be assigned a mentor.

The INSPIRE Program prioritizes enrollment to high school students residing in North Chicago, Waukegan, Zion, and Round Lake.

Applications are closed for the 2025 program. Applications for 2026 will open in December 2025.

Virtual Mentor Program

The Virtual Mentor Program (VMP) program is designed to provide local high school and undergraduate students individual mentoring to support their academic and career success in healthcare or science. Participants are paired with a current student at Rosalind Franklin University and will meet once a month via zoom or phone calls from October to April. All participants must attend a VMP Orientation prior to being matched with their mentor.

This program is not currently accepting new sign-ups.

Contact: rachael.lange@rosalindfranklin.edu