The summer Mental Health Immersion Program resulted from the collaboration between the I Am Abel Foundation, the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Hospital (JBVA), and Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (Lovell VA). Recognizing the need for our major academic and training institutions to lead the way in promoting diversity in both society and mental health, we combined our collective goals and vision. It is our fervent belief that through our investment in these exceptional Chicago area youth, we will help to close the healthcare equity and mental health gaps that selectively impact vulnerable, under-served and minority communities. Our shared goal is to diversify the fields of mental health by preparing underrepresented youth to serve their communities with passion, purpose, and excellence.
The Summer Mental Health Immersion Program provides underrepresented undergraduate students an unparalleled opportunity to gain clinical exposure, while simultaneously attending didactics and completing a quality improvement or program development project. Further, this program provides underrepresented students the opportunity to develop mentorship relationships, meet with current mental health trainees, and learn about the intricacies of the VA medical system.
The Mental Health Immersion Program aims to provide undergraduate students an unparalleled clinical, educational, and service experience that will prepare them for their journey in mental health. The selection process for the scholars is highly selective. Students chosen to participate, have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in mental health and are committed to becoming our next generation of healthcare heroes that will one day provide the highest level of compassionate, competent, and culturally sensitive healthcare to vulnerable populations, including many of our U.S. Veterans.
This amazing program is for mentees of the I Am Abel Foundation. This exciting new program will run for 8 weeks at both VA sites and will provide a stipend for students plus transportation. If you'd like to join I Am Abel Foundation as a mentee, applications are open through March 15th. Apply today at https://www.iamabel.org/urban-bridges-medical-mentoring-program
To apply for the Mental Health Immersion Program, please click this link> Questions regarding the application should be sent to Student Coordinator, Magnolia Oliver at magnoliver@sbcglobal.net
To learn more about this program, please check out this brochure: MHIP Brochure>