Cultivating STEM/Health Identities and Talent in Historically Marginalized Populations Through Equity-Focused Place-Based Learning: The Rush Education and Career Hub (REACH) Model

Abstract

Students of color, first-generation, and residents of communities experiencing disinvestment-who aspire to obtain meaningful postsecondary degrees, career success, financial security, and social mobility-face tremendous challenges in navigating science, technology, engineering, math, and health science (STEM-H) education and career sectors. The Rush Education and Career Hub (REACH) utilizes a place-based workforce intermediary model that joins an academic medical center with academic institutions, community-based organizations, and employers to increase and broaden STEM-H participation. REACH provides innovative, hands-on learning for underrepresented youth cradle-to-career to increase postsecondary achievement and diversity in STEM-H professions through: (1) early and sustained access to high quality STEM-H education experiences, (2) paid work-based learning paired with professional development, (3) the ability to earn recognized industry credentials, (4) mentorship to facilitate participant engagement and promote program completion, and (5) OutREACH community engagement that provides information, resources and wraparound supports for students, their families, and the community. Preliminary findings suggest that this model inspires and prepares young people for success. REACH offers institutions an equity-centered community-engaged framework for cultivating education and workforce partnerships to foster opportunities, support, and the relationships necessary to thrive in STEM-H for those who have historically been denied.