Urban Health Program

Students gathered

Our college's efforts to recruit and retain students from underrepresented groups goes hand in hand with our drive to eliminate health disparities and advance health equity.

Our mission is clear

The mission of the UIC College of Nursing Urban Health Program (UHP) is to recruit and retain through graduation student groups who are underrepresented in nursing, specifically African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans. The UHP seeks to expand educational and research opportunities for these populations at all academic levels (including pre-college) in order to develop underrepresented minority healthcare professionals, faculty and researchers with the goals of eliminating health disparities and advancing health equity.

We are committed to:

  • Providing opportunities for early exposure to nursing education and careers for prospective students from traditionally underrepresented groups
  • Providing academic enrichment opportunities for the success and retention of all students
  • Promoting and supporting community initiatives and programs that address health disparities and community health
  • Partnering with high schools, colleges and other educational organizations to engage students and personnel in understanding the nursing profession and competitive admissions processes
  • Encouraging all students to serve in medically underserved areas throughout the state of Illinois
  • Collaborating and promoting interdisciplinary programs and activities across the health sciences

Read the UHP News Blog

Charese Smith

Assistant Director, College of Nursing Urban Health Program

845 S. Damen Ave., 518 NURS, (MC 802), Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 312.996.0810
Email: uhpcon@uic.edu