Northwestern University has a long history of opening its doors to young high school scholars interested in programs towards careers in science and medicine. Recently, more than 30 young men from Westinghouse College Prep spent time on Northwestern’s medical campus during their Northwestern Medicine Scholars Program, which introduces young men to all types of medical careers.
The Women’s Health Research Institute at Northwestern University offers a comparable program for young women in Chicago Public Schools. This program, The Women’s Health Science Program (WHSP) offers specialized week-long academies during the summer where students are mentored by current graduate and medical students, clinicians, and researchers. These young women learn clinical skills (such as suturing, vitals, and phlebotomy ) as well as basic science, laboratory skills revolving around oncofertility.
While the target populations of these two programs differ, their goals of investing in future science and medical leaders remains the same.