Thank you for your interest in the Northwestern Medicine Discovery Program. As part of Northwestern Medicine's commitment to building stronger communities, the NM Discovery Program’s mission is to create a pathway for the next generation of healthcare leaders by drawing on the talents of Northwestern Medicine's incredible team of healthcare professionals to provide STEM career exploration opportunities. The program is designed for students who otherwise would not be able to access these opportunities. Throughout the program, students will be exposed to a broad range of healthcare careers through activities including tours, guest speakers, group discussion, and hands-on projects. In addition, the program fosters character and professional development, cultivates life skills, provides community service and leadership experience, and offers mentorship and networking opportunities. Meetings are held once a month, most often on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am–12:00 pm, during the school year.* Central region will continue to host a two year-program, all other regions will offer a one-year program for applicants entering the 2022–2023 school year.

*Please note, meeting dates, day of the week, times, and topics are subject to change. As of now we are planning to run the 2022-2023 Discovery Program primarily in person. Some sessions may continue to be virtual based on the topic. We will continue to monitor local and state guidelines. Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination will be required to participate.

The Northwestern Medicine Discovery Program currently runs in six chapters (listed below). Chapter participation is based on county where your school is located. For students who are homeschooled, participation is based on county of residence. Program locations will vary based on chapter. The programs at all locations will be similar, though not identical; there will be some joint activities as scheduling permits.

• Cook County (City of Chicago): Central Chapter
• Lake County: North Chapter
• McHenry County: Northwest Chapter
• DeKalb, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee and Ogle counties: Greater DeKalb Chapter
• DuPage and Kane counties: West Chapter
• Will and South Suburban Cook counties: South Chapter

For more information on each chapter including location, application requirements and instructions, please visit each Chapter’s page below.

Please note, if you are a returning Program participant, you will return to your same chapter regardless of county of residence.

Eligibility:

First year applicants must:

• Be at least 15 years of age.
• Be entering sophomore or junior year of high school. Seniors will be accepted on a limited basis.
• Have an academic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale. Students with a GPA below 3.0 can explain any unique circumstances on their application and may still be considered.
• Commit to the program, including attendance at all Discovery Program meetings and community service activities. No more than two excused absences are permitted.
• Commit to abide by all Discovery Program guidelines and policies, including providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
• Submit the completed application to the appropriate chapter.

Second year returning applications (Central Chapter only for the 2022–2023 school year) must:

• Have successfully completed the first year of the Northwestern Medicine Discovery Program and maintained good standing as defined by the guidelines and policies.
• Be entering junior or senior year of high school.
• Have an academic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale. Students with a GPA below 3.0 can explain any unique circumstances on their application and may still be considered.
• Commit to the program, including attendance at all Discovery Program meetings and community service activities. No more than two excused absences are permitted.
• Commit to abide by all Discovery Program guidelines and policies, including providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
• Submit a re-enrollment application.

Deadline

2022 Applications have now closed. Please check back in August of 2023.