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Office of Academic Pathways

Medical College of Wisconsin Office of Academic Pathways

The Office of Academic Pathways (OAP) is MCW’S home for the strategic leadership of MCW’s pre-health science programs for middle school, high school, and undergraduate learners. We aim to connect these learners with the robust, dynamic, and meaningful educational opportunities to become part of the future biomedical workforce. Throughout our history, we have been successful in helping thousands of learners reach their dreams. We hope you will consider engaging with our mission.
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Our Mission

To promote curiosity, foster connection, and empower middle school, high school, and undergraduate learners at every stage to explore and excel in the health sciences through impactful programs and experiences. We collaborate across MCW to share best practices, strengthen programs, and expand opportunities for students to connect, grow, and deepen their understanding of health careers.

Our Vision

Cultivating a future workforce that is skilled, inspired, and ready to make a meaningful impact on the health of our communities.

What We Do

Early Exposure & Career Exploration:

We introduce students—starting in middle school—to the wide range of careers in health sciences through hands-on experiences that empower them to explore possibilities and see themselves in these fields.

Guidance, Mentorship & Connection:

We connect students with mentors, peers, and role models who guide them through academic milestones, sustain engagement, and deepen their interests beyond a single program.

Pathway Alignment & Workforce Preparation:

Working with MCW and community partners, we strengthen pathways that support student progress from exploration to career preparation, positioning learners for success while meeting the evolving needs of our communities.

Our Pathway Programs

Our Office directs summer and academic year programs for middle school, high school, and college students to gain experience and support for biomedical careers.

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Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM)

AIM provides carefully selected high school students the opportunity to stimulate their interest in careers in medicine, biomedical research-and allied health. AIM emphasizes academic preparation, achievement and career awareness. Applications for the 2026 AIM program are now closed.

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STEP-UP

STEP-UP provides exposure to a variety of health science careers to local middle and high school students during the academic year. Students participate in age-appropriate interactive sessions led by college pre-med students, MCW students, practicing physicians, and other health professionals. Applications for the 2025-2026 STEP-UP program are now closed.

Researchers in MCW Endocrinology and Molecular Metabolism

Summer Health-Related Research Education Program (SHREP)

SHREP is a competitive program designed to provide research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Applications for the 2026 SHREP program are now closed.

Our Local Outreach Program: Froedtert & MCW Ignite

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Our Office hosts local middle school, high school, and college student groups explore future health science careers through a half-day experience on the MCW Milwaukee Campus: Froedtert & MCW Ignite. We bring science and medicine to life through dynamic hands-on experiences, interactive learning sessions, tours, and career panel discussions with healthcare professionals and students.

Explore the Ignite Program

Ways MCW Students Can Get Involved

The success of our pathway programs depends on the commitment and volunteerism of MCW medical, graduate and pharmacy students. If you are looking for ways to share your talents and make an impact, consider the following opportunities. Contact our team to learn more:

SHIPP (Student Health Initiative for Pathway Programs)

Students can join this student-led organization to engage with pathway participants and support programming in creative and impactful ways. SHIPP partners with the OAP to design and deliver curriculum for STEP-UP, our academic-year pathway program for middle school, high school and college students.

AIM Mentorship

Each year, M1 students are invited to serve as paid mentors in the Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM) program between their M1 and M2 summers. AIM provides high school students with hands-on exposure to medicine, biomedical research and allied health careers, with a strong emphasis on academic preparation, achievement and career awareness.

F&MCW Ignite

Volunteers can help bring science to life by welcoming and escorting visitors, participating in career panels and leading hands-on activities such as DNA extraction, chromatography demonstrations, pharmacy simulations or even managing clinical skill experiences like suture clinics, casting and Form & Function sessions.

Community Engagement

At times, students are invited to visit schools and community-based organizations to introduce MCW’s pathway programs directly within students’ learning environments.
Our Pathway Programs

Learn About Other MCW Pathway Programs

The Medical College of Wisconsin hosts several programs that support learners in their academic and professional journeys in medicine and biomedical science, providing opportunities to engage with our institution. Working with students as early as middle school through medical or graduate school, these programs are offered during both the academic year and summer.

Our Pathway Programs

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Support the Office of Academic Pathways

Your involvement not only enriches these programs but also helps inspire the next generation of health science professionals.

Our Team

For questions related to MCW pathway programs, please get in touch with the Office of Academic Pathways team.

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Malika Siker, MD

Professor; Associate Dean

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Jean Mallett, DrPH, MBA

Program Director

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Crystal L. Jushka, MEd

Program Manager

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Zandra E. Clevert

Program Coordinator

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Ricardo Aguilar, MSEd

Program Coordinator II

Contact the Office of Academic Pathways

For questions related to MCW pathway programs, please get in touch with the Office of Academic Pathways team

pathwayprograms@mcw.edu

Office of Academic Pathways

Office of Academic Affairs -- Medical Education Building (MEB), 3rd Floor

8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

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