ChicagoCHEC Fellows Program FAQs

ChicagoCHEC Fellows Program 2025 – FAQs

GENERAL QUESTIONS

  1. How do I apply?

Applicants must submit an online application by either December 18, 2024 at 11:59pm CST (early application deadline) or February 5, 2025 at 11:59pm CST (final application deadline).

Application materials include (1) an application form; (2) resume or CV; (3) college transcripts; (4) two letters of recommendation; and (5) two essays and one open-ended question.

  1. What are the start and end dates for the program?

The summer intensive program runs June 9, 2025 – August 1, 2025 for a minimum of 40 hours per week, on a Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM basis.

  1. Will I be paid for being a ChicagoCHEC Fellow?

During the 8-week long summer intensive program, ChicagoCHEC Fellows will receive a stipend of $5,184.00. Students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to receive funding.

  1. Will housing and transportation be provided?

Housing is not provided. Travel support to and from the program is not provided, unless otherwise specified. Travel is required for the program which will primarily take place in downtown Chicago. Fellows will spend most days at the NU campus, with one day a week at the UIC campus and some days on the NEIU campus. All 3 campuses are accessible via public transportation; fellows who choose to drive will be provided with parking vouchers. Transportation to community partner sites on certain days will be provided.

  1. Will meals and lunch be provided?

Means and lunch is generally not provided, unless otherwise specified. We encourage you to bring your own meals and lunch. We may have microwaves and fridges available on certain days for you to use.

  1. Am I allowed to take classes during the summer intensive program?

Fellows are expected to devote a minimum of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday on a 9 AM to 5 PM basis during the summer intensive program. Therefore, students should not plan to take courses or engage in other work or volunteer commitments during the daytime of the program’s 8 weeks. Fellows are not prohibited from taking other commitments, but it may be difficult to balance additional work.

  1. What are the program expectations?

The program expects respect, punctuality, active communication, and proactive engagement. Fellows are expected to attend the 8-week intensive program on a Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM basis, which will be in-person format. Travel support to and from the program is not provided, unless otherwise specified. Staff are available for guidance, and productive use of phones and laptops is allowed. Fellows should take full advantage of everything the program offers and actively engage to make the most of the experience.

At the conclusion of the program:

  • Fellows become part of an alumni network and are invited to attend ChicagoCHEC’s annual meetings and become mentors to subsequent years’ ChicagoCHEC Fellows.
  • Fellows are expected to meet ChicagoCHEC’s requirements for the submission of periodic information needed for overall project performance monitoring, which includes an annual survey on fellows’ educational and career progression.
  • Graduates of the Fellows program are also eligible to apply to ChicagoCHEC Learning Experiences and Programs.
  1. Will there be any research, lab or job placement as a result of participating in this program?

No, there will not be any research, lab or job placement. Throughout the Fellows program, students will have the opportunity to network with a vast array of healthcare professionals, faculty and researchers from our partner institutions. You will have the opportunity to form lasting professional relationships and you will learn how to identify and approach the right mentor for you. Graduates of the Fellows program are also eligible to apply for ChicagoCHEC Learning Experiences and Program.

  1. Is the program eligible for class, research, or service-learning credit?

No, the program is not eligible for class, research, or service-learning credit for any institution nor does the program itself provide credit of any kind.

  1. Will there be any lab based work or any hands-on experience?

No, there will not be any lab based work or any hands-on experience. The summer intensive program focuses on preparing Fellows for careers in social, behavioral, and biomedical research and healthcare through community site visits, skill-building workshops and seminars, didactic lectures with research experts, peer-to-peer mentorship opportunities, journal club, and a final group project involving a literature review and research presentations.

ELIGIBILITY

  1. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility criteria are listed on our website. The program will give preference to students from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (including but are not limited to African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders), individuals with disabilities, and/or individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

  1. I am a graduate student. Can I apply?

Graduate students are not eligible to apply. We may have programs targeted for graduate-level students in the future, so please be sure to check our website regularly, sign up for our mailing list, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter to get the latest program updates. You may also visit the website for Northwestern University Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training Program.

  1. I am a senior and will be graduating in May 2025. Can I apply?

Yes, seniors at UIC, NEIU, Northwestern, City Colleges of Chicago, and other Community/Junior Colleges who are graduating in May 2025 are eligible to apply.

  1. I already have my bachelor’s degree. Am I still eligible to apply?

Postbaccalaureates are eligible to apply if you are currently taking classes or enrolled in a postbaccalaureate program at Northeastern Illinois University, Northwestern University, or the University of Illinois at Chicago, and have graduated from a fellows program-eligible undergraduate institution in May 2023 or later.

  1. I was in another research-related summer or internship program last year, am I eligible for the ChicagoCHEC Fellows program this year?

Yes, students who have previously participated in an academic or research-related enrichment program, mentorship program, internship, or summer program are eligible to apply.

  1. I am not a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen. Can I apply?

If you are an international student, or if you are not a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen, please send us an email at [email protected] with additional questions. Please keep in mind that while we welcome your application to the Fellows program, we are unable to provide you with the $5,184.00 stipend. However, you will receive all other program benefits.

  1. I am a freshman but have a lot of science credits and experience; can I apply?

Yes, rising sophomores are eligible to apply.

  1. I was not accepted in the ChicagoCHEC Fellows program in a previous year. Can I reapply this year?

Yes, we would encourage you to apply again.

  1. What is the minimum GPA to be considered for the program?

There is no minimum GPA requirement.

  1. I have never done research before, am I still eligible for the ChicagoCHEC Fellows program?

Yes, this program is open to undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students with or without actual research experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

  1. Is there a deadline for submission of applications?

December 18, 2025 at 11:59pm CST (early application deadline – guaranteed an interview)

February 5, 2025 at 11:59pm CST (regular application deadline)

  1. Can you provide any advice on how to write a good application?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has compiled a great guide for writing a successful application to research training programs . We recommend you review this guide before preparing your application.

  1. Are letters of recommendation required? Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?

Yes, two letters of recommendation are required. At least one letter must be from a faculty member. If you have previously participated in an academic or research-related enrichment program, mentorship program, internship, or summer program, we recommend that at least one letter be from your program mentor. Your application will be complete once they have submitted their letters of recommendations.

  1. Is an official transcript required?

Unofficial transcripts are accepted.

  1. How will I know if you have received my application?

Upon submission, you will see a “Thank you for submitting your application to the ChicagoCHEC Fellows Program” note. If you have any technical difficulties or do not see this confirmation page, please send an email to [email protected] so that we can confirm receipt of your application.

  1. When will I find out if I have been accepted into the program?

You will be notified in February 2025 if you submit by the early application deadline.

You will be notified in March 2025 if you submit by the regular application deadline.

Early and regular application deadlines can be found here.

  1. If I am not selected this summer, can I apply again?

Yes, if you were not selected, we definitely encourage you to apply again.