LaWanda “LaLa” McCraney, an Adler University, Doctor of Clinical Psychology student, proposes to create an expressive art program for inner city high school students who are enrolled in the Sojourner Scholar’s program at Illinois Humanities, a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities. She envisions gathering with the high school students at different art facilities to complete weekly art projects. In addition to the art and crafts making, the sessions will help students in acknowledging all emotions, strengthen their skills in identifying and processing those emotions and will also promote overall well-being for students.

LaWanda seeks to raise $200 for art supplies, $400 for incentive gifts for participants, such as gifts cards, and $400 for to provide transportation to and from art sessions for the year.

Founded in 1996, Health & Medicine’s Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program cultivates aspiring health and human services professionals to be informed, concerned, and involved with addressing health inequities. Each year, the Schweitzer Program provides 30 exceptional students with opportunities to design and implement projects to improve the health and well-being of underserved Chicago communities. Fellows’ projects often address the social determinants of health, and their activities frequently include tutoring, violence prevention, health education, healthy lifestyles promotion, and outreach to vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Through their community projects and participation in a year-long program that includes mentoring support, monthly meetings, written reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, Schweitzer Fellows develop the skills and confidence needed to become Leaders in Service—professionals who will remain dedicated to public service and creating change.

Each of the Fellows has created a wish list of supplies and resources that will help them bring their project goals to life. Please consider supporting a specific Fellow project or donating to the general Schweitzer project fund.

The Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program is a program of Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. Your Fellows Fest donation will appear on your credit card statement as "Health & Medicine."