Pathway Programs and Partnerships

REACH Program

Research and Education for the Advancement of Compassionate Healthcare

The Carle Illinois College of Medicine REACH program is an intensive clinical research immersion summer experience for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. In addition to this research experience, students will also gain information about preparing for medical school. REACH is designed to grow the presence of students underrepresented in the field of medicine.

REACH Program Highlights

As a REACH participant, you will:

• Be a part of a class of aspiring medical professionals.
• Gain clinical and research immersion experience, while having access to the larger university Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP), maximizing your networking opportunities.
• Work hand-in-hand with faculty mentors and graduate students during your research and clinical training.
• Receive medical school admissions preparation and visit the JUMP Simulation Center.
• Participate in professional workshops on a variety of topics to support your personal and professional growth, including a Research Writing Seminar designed to teach how to write and publish academic papers.
• Present your research at the  Illinois Summer Research Symposium at the end of your program.
• Have access to the University of Illinois Library, one of the largest public academic libraries in the United States.
• Have an opportunity to exchange ideas and broaden your knowledge through research team participation. You will be assigned to a research team consisting of participants from similar majors. Your team will meet regularly under the leadership of a Research Team Leader who is pursuing an advanced degree in a related field of study. The research team serves as a mechanism to help refine your research project and build relationships with other students.
• Receive a $5,000 stipend for participation in the REACH program and 3-4 hours of independent study credit.

SpHERES High School Research Program

Sparking High Schoolers' Excitement for Research in Engineering & Science

SpHERES  is a dynamic research program for Champaign-Urbana high school students interested in pursuing higher education, supported by the Carle Illinois College of Medicine.

Participating laboratories host SpHERES students who work together under the mentorship and guidance of a research faculty member and additional mentors (graduate or undergraduate students in the lab). Multiple layers of mentoring provide students with a richer, more fulfilling research experience.

SpHERES is part of the 2024 Young Scholar Summer Research (illinois.edu), which partners with engineering departments across campus to share programming and broaden the experiences for participants.

Program Goals

• Introduce students to clinically-focused research and promote health career opportunities.
• Help students gain knowledge in a variety of STEM applications, innovation, entrepreneurship and holistic inclusive care.
• Help students gain an understanding of the intersection of medicine, science, and engineering.