Jovanna Johnson, a Rush University Nursing Student, was inspired to implement a mentorship program for Black college students and graduates to mentally and socially prepare Black students at Richard T. Crane Medical Prep High School located in the near West Side of Chicago for college. She believes it is important for these high school students to establish long-term relationships with Black mentors who can support and guide them throughout their college journey. In addition to the mentorship program, Jovanna will provide workshops and activities to help students develop essential skills such as time management, test taking, and professionalism, as well as discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, and help students obtain volunteer hours and shadowing experiences after attending a college fair and careers/majors fair. Jovanna hopes to raise $500 for supplies for activities and workshops such as planners, poster boards, markers, pens, glue sticks, tape, scissors, file folders, clipboards, name tags, paper, snacks, and other decorations/supplies for events and workshops. 

The Schweitzer Fellowship is a year-long service learning program for graduate students in health-related professions who will design and implement innovative direct service projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of underserved Chicago area communities. Through their community projects and participation in a year-long program that includes mentoring support, monthly meetings, written reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, Schweitzer Fellows are developing the skills and confidence needed to become Leaders in Service—professionals who will remain dedicated to public service and to creating change.

In the summer of 2019, the Schweitzer Fellows for Life network launched Fellows Fest 2019, a campaign to help support our current Fellows' projects. Each of the Fellows has created a "wish list" of supplies and resources that will help them realize their service project goals. We also invite you to join us for our Fellows Fest event taking place on September 17th, 6-8pm in Chicago. Click here for more info and to RSVP.

The Chicago Areas Schweitzer Fellowship is a program of Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. Your Summer Fest donation will appear on your credit card statement at "Health & Medicine."