Health and Wellness Academy
Helping Chicago youth build healthy habits through movement, nutrition and wellness education
The Health and Wellness Academy brings together graduate students, schools and community partners to support health education and active learning for children and adolescents across Chicago. We are free and place zero burden on the school, teachers or families. We serve as an enrichment program to the core curriculum by engaging students during lunch, recess, electives, or before or after-school hours.
A community-centered approach to wellness education
The Children’s Health and Wellness Academy is a community-engaged initiative housed within the Department of Physical Therapy in the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences.
Through partnerships with schools and local organizations, we provide health, nutrition and physical activity education for Chicago youth while creating hands-on learning opportunities for UIC graduate students.
UIC graduate students work directly with children and adolescents through interactive lessons and activities designed to encourage healthy habits, movement and wellness awareness. The academy is offered through an experiential and service-learning course that explores topics related to rehabilitation science, education, wellness and prevention.
Preparing future health professionals
The academy gives graduate students opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings while working alongside schools, educators and local organizations.
Students gain experience planning activities, leading group instruction and adapting health education for children and adolescents from diverse communities across Chicago.
The service-learning experience helps students strengthen collaboration, communication and leadership skills that support future careers in health care, rehabilitation sciences and community-based practice.
Quote
HWA not only gave me the opportunity to learn about how access to certain resources has created health disparities in those of certain populations, but it has also given me a platform to implement strategies to address and attempt to reverse these effects.
| UIC DPT Class of 2023
Working together to support healthy communities
The Children’s Health and Wellness Academy collaborates with schools, educators and community organizations that share a commitment to youth wellness and health equity.
Partnerships help expand access to engaging health education experiences while strengthening connections between UIC and the communities it serves.
Potential partnership opportunities
- School-based wellness activities
- Youth engagement programs
- Health and nutrition education
- Community-centered learning experiences
Recipe for Success
How the Children’s Health and Wellness Academy connects education and community impact
Through experiential learning and community partnerships, UIC students help Chicago youth explore healthy living while developing skills that support future careers in health care and rehabilitation sciences.
Connect wth the academy
Learn more about partnership and participation opportunities
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with schools, organizations and community partners across Chicago.
Contact Lindsey Strieter at:
Email lstriete@uic.edu
Phone 773.413.5996
Address 1919 W. Taylor St., 450 AHSB
Chicago, IL 60610