EXITO

Empowering students and engaging faculty in inclusive, cross-disciplinary research and mentorship.

The EXITO Program (Enhancing Cross-disciplinary Innovation and Training Opportunities) prepares students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to become future leaders in health research.

AHS undergraduate students can join this three-year program to receive paid research training, personal mentorship and professional development that supports admission to graduate or professional school. Faculty can join as mentors or lead Research Learning Communities that develop the next generation of health equity scholars.

AHS faculty: Get involved in EXITO!

Become an EXITO Fellow

What to expect

Through mentorship, hands-on research and academic support, EXITO equips you to become a confident, skilled scholar ready to tackle the nation’s most pressing health disparities. Here’s what to expect.

Is EXITO right for you?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are passionate about improving public health and advancing equity
  • Intend to pursue a graduate or professional degree in the health sciences
  • Are eligible to submit a FAFSA or the Illinois alternative financial aid application
  • Are enrolled full-time in an AHS undergraduate degree program
  • Have at least three years remaining in your program
  • Have completed at least one term (12 credits) and are in good academic standing
  • Face economic, educational or environmental barriers as defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration

Opportunities for faculty

EXITO offers meaningful ways for faculty to mentor, collaborate and diversify the pipeline of health science researchers. Get involved as a Research Learning Community lead, sponsor an EXITO Fellow or apply to the EXITO PIlot Grant Program.

Research Learning Communities

Research Learning Communities (RLCs) are interdisciplinary AHS faculty-led labs where you’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to real research that impacts communities. As an EXITO Fellow, you’ll join a team of researchers working on active, funded projects. In your RLC, you’ll gain hands-on experience, strengthen your research and communication skills, and explore graduate school and career paths in health and biomedical sciences.

Become a RLC

EXITO Fellow sponsor

Support a student’s personal and academic development over three years. Sponsors meet with their assigned fellow at least once per semester and provide mentorship, advice, and professional networking opportunities.

  • Total of six required check-ins (more encouraged)
  • End-of-semester reflection surveys
  • Optional annual training for sponsors

Become a sponsor

Viviana Kabbabe-Thompson

Phone: 312.413.5656
Email: vkt@uic.edu