Young Scholars
2026-2027 Young Scholars Program
We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2026-2027 Illinois ACC Young Scholars Program! In its third year, we are pleased to report the Illinois ACC Young Scholars program is a dynamic and impactful opportunity for students who are interested in healthcare science careers with the opportunity to participate in a year-long mentored research and education program available through the Illinois ACC.
Students have the opportunity to:
- Shadow with a cardiologist in clinic, seeing first-hand, the day-to-day activities clinicians perform in taking care of patients.
- Attend a monthly Zoom lecture series covering a broad spectrum of career related and clinical subjects including an overview of the cardiology profession, creating a Curriculum Vitae, work life balance, research, and clinical subspecialties.
- Create a research or case-based poster for presentation at the Illinois ACC Poster Session.
- Become Basic Life Saving Skills/CPR/AED Certified during the program.
- Celebrate the end of the program at one of the medical schools in Chicago with an opportunity to meet and talk to medical students and faculty.
Student Expectations:
- Responsiveness to mentor contacts regarding scheduling and paperwork completion.
- Active participation at in-person and virtual events (i.e. cameras on and phones down)
- No note taking bots in the virtual events.
Eligibility criteria:
Any applicant who is:
1. A current High School Junior.
2. A current student attending a high school in the State of Illinois.
Requirements:
• Write a 500-word statement of interest on how this program will help you to move forward in your goals for the future. Here are some thoughts to consider in your response. Not a requirement, but here are some guidelines that you can use. Personal story. Anything you think the committee would find interesting. What area of specialty interests you most and why? Why do you think you should be a candidate?
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• High School Transcript
• Completed Application
