An immersive Medical Home Network (MHN) technology fellowship is delivering on its promise to invest in emerging talent from under-represented communities. Participants in the MHN Data Analytics Fellowship get firsthand experience with healthcare data, health analytics and programming skills, feeding the pipeline of new science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals.
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MHN, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming care and building healthier communities in the safety net, was founded by the Comer Family Foundation in 2009. The MHN Data Analytics Fellowship, launched in 2021, is offered in partnership with the foundation and UtmostU, the signature program of the Network for Young Adult Success (NYAS). NYAS provides college persistence and workforce development services to help students complete post-secondary degrees, secure jobs and work toward financial independence.
Data Science Fellowship Feeds STEM Education Pipeline
One of the fellows in the program, Oluwabusayo Adebayo, graduated in December with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois’ Technical Systems Management program. Adebayo also distinguished himself during his studies. He was the co-founder of Voribe, a Chicago startup that empowers future Nigerian American leaders with the tools and connections they need to become successful professionals.
Although Adebayo had developed apps, the MHN fellowship gave him exposure to professionals in the field, data analytics and confidence to explore new career options. “My goal is to go to Silicon Valley one day and start my own company,” said Adebayo.
Genesis Martin, who is halfway through her yearlong fellowship, studied business economics at Harold Washington College and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in data analytics. She says the program has helped her in many ways, including encouraging her to ask questions while engaging in STEM-topics that can often be complex.
“That’s one of the things that I think a lot of people struggle with is not knowing when to ask questions if you’re confused or when you’re stuck on something because they think it’s a bad thing, but it’s actually not,” said Martin. “That’s something I can take with me.”
Adebayo and Martin are both graduates of Gary Comer College Prep in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood of Grand Crossing.
“Medical Home Network is thrilled to invest back into the communities we serve through programs like our Data Analytics fellowship,” said Cheryl Lulias, president and CEO at MHN. “We were fortunate to have amazing young people like Oluwabusayo and Genesis as part of our inaugural program, and we look forward to seeing the great things they will accomplish in the future.”