The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Grants $25K to Rosalind Franklin University’s Chicago Medical School to Prepare the Next Generation of Illinois’ Health Care Workforce
Media Contact: Rhonda Frazier, Rhonda.Frazier@MolinaHealthCare.Com, (562) 980-3849
Lake, Ill., Oct.14, 2025 — The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), announced a $25,000 grant to Rosalind Franklin University’s (RFU) Chicago Medical School in support of their Mini Medical School. Through the program, Chicago Medical School offers fourth through eighth grade students from underserved communities in Lake County an introduction to health sciences and medical professions, helping increase interest in health care careers.
Illinois is experiencing a shortage of health care professionals that is expected to be a growing issue. Data shows a projected shortage of 15,000 nurses by the end of 2025 and 6,200 physicians by 2030. To increase participation and build a future pipeline of health care workers, Chicago Medical School’s Mini Medical School program provides hands-on experiments and an interactive exploration into the world of medicine. Molina’s support will fund stipends for medical students to lead and mentor students, resources for parental engagement, supplies needed to facilitate hands-on learning, and white coats for the graduation ceremony.
“Through this partnership, Chicago Medical School is not only introducing students to the health care field but also supporting them with the infrastructure to achieve long-term success in pursuing a medical education,” said Dr. Melissa Chen, clinical director for RFU’s pro bono Interprofessional Community Clinic and assistant dean for community health and engagement at Chicago Medical School. “In addition to student sessions designed to improve health literacy and knowledge of science, parents also receive educational information, helping to foster students’ study habits and increasing knowledge of health care-focused school programs to prepare students for their future.”
The grant comes during back-to-school season, a time to ensure students are equipped with the tools and resources to support academic success. Chicago Medical School’s Mini Medical School serves as an example of a program doing just that — using the classroom as a way to prepare students for their future careers while strengthening the future health care workforce.
“By sparking curiosity and building confidence, we hope to inspire the next generation of health care professionals — many of whom will return to serve the communities they grew up in,” said Matt Wolf, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “This partnership with Chicago Medical School helps advance our mission to improve access to care while empowering students who have an interest in health care to further explore the profession.”
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About The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation
The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation was created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities.
About Molina Healthcare of Illinois
Molina Healthcare of Illinois, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Illinois. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Illinois, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About Rosalind Franklin University
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving humanity through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu.