CPASS Foundation

What CPASS Foundation does

CPASS Foundation (Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success Foundation) is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates one of the oldest continuously active STEMM pathway programs in the United States, with roots dating to 1979 through its legacy CAHMCP medical-school pipeline. The foundation serves Illinois students from historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities, providing free programming across the educational pipeline from 4th grade through medical school, including residential summer academies, Saturday programs, virtual reality learning, mini-medical schools, parent education, and MCAT/residency preparation. All programs are delivered at no cost to students, with funding drawn from individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants (donation tiers ranging from $500 to $350,000).

The foundation runs a multi-product ecosystem anchored by three flagship programs: STEMM Scholars Academy (a 3-year residential talent-development program for high school students), STEMM Scholars Academy Plus (monthly Saturday sessions offering up to 9 undergraduate credit hours), and the recently launched STEMM-3D Scholars Academy (a VR-based entry program for 8th-9th graders using VR headsets and curriculum-aligned immersive modules). Supporting programs include CPASS Mini-Medical Schools (4th-7th grade exposure at partner medical schools), CAHMCP (MCAT prep and residency interview resources), and STEMM Parent Academy. Complementary assets include a proprietary Illinois STEMM Program Search database, the "Creating Equity in STEMM" podcast series, and the annual STEMM Pathways to Health Equity Symposium.

The business model is charitable: 100% of programs are free to participants, and revenue is generated exclusively through donations and grants. Distribution is regional, with delivery through at least five Illinois partner universities (Lewis University, University of Illinois Chicago, Rush University, Rosalind Franklin University, and Illinois Institute of Technology) and a community-led go-to-market approach combining direct programming, school partnerships, community-organization referrals, and alumni networks. The foundation operates with 4-6 staff under Executive Director Stephen A. Martin, Jr., PhD, MPH, and is governed by a six-member Board of Directors chaired by founder Eric E. Whitaker, MD, MPH.

Name

CPASS Foundation

Legal name

CPASS Foundation

Website

https://cpassfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CPASS Foundation is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free STEMM pathway programs to Illinois students from underrepresented communities, spanning 4th grade through medical school with a 47-year legacy and university-delivered residential, Saturday, and VR curricula.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit STEMM and Health-Career Education Services

NAICS

All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Health Science & Medical STEM Programs (Pre-Med, Public Health) (EDAMABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Biology & Life Science Enrichment (Biotech, Genetics, Anatomy) (EDAMABAF), STEM Research & Inquiry Programs (Research Mentorship, Science Fair Prep) (EDAMABAC), Math & Science Interactive Learning Platforms (STEM Core) (EDAFANAH)

Keywords

• STEMM education programs
• Health careers pipeline
• Medical school preparation
• Educational equity programs
• Workforce development training

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: CPASS Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Revenue comes from individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants. Donation tiers range from $500 to $350,000 supporting various programs.
2. Event Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships for the Annual STEMM Pathways to Health Equity Symposium, including Title Sponsorship, Keynote Sponsorship, Award Sponsorship, Student Engagement Sponsorship, and Networking Breakfast Sponsorship.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CPASS Foundation delivers free, multi-year STEMM educational pathway programming for Illinois students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, including a residential STEMM Scholars Academy, a Saturday-based STEMM Scholars Academy Plus, a VR-based STEMM-3D Scholars Academy, CPASS Mini-Medical Schools, the CPASS Medicine Pre-Matriculation Program (CPMP), and the Chicago Academic Medicine Program (CAHMCP). Supporting offerings include a Parent Academy, an Illinois STEMM Program Search Tool, a PocketBook study guide for STEMM students, and an annual STEMM Pathways to Health Equity Symposium.

Product overview

CPASS Foundation operates a multi-product STEMM education ecosystem designed to create pathways for Illinois students from historically underrepresented communities into science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine careers. The portfolio centers on three flagship programs: the STEMM Scholars Academy (3-year residential talent development program for high school students), STEMM Scholars Academy Plus (monthly Saturday sessions with college credit), and STEMM-3D Scholars Academy (virtual reality-based entry-level program). Supporting programs include CPASS Mini-Medical Schools (health sciences introduction for grades 4-7), CAHMCP (post-secondary medical career pipeline with MCAT/Test Prep/STEP resources), and STEMM Parent Academy (family engagement and readiness). The organization also offers a proprietary Illinois STEMM Program Search database, the Creating Equity in STEMM Podcast Series, an Annual Symposium, and the John Bradley STEM Award. The programs are sequential and progressive, designed to take students from early exposure through medical/health professional school preparation, forming one of the nation's oldest continuously active STEMM pathway programs dating to 1979.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CAHMCP (Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program): Comprehensive support program for Illinois students pursuing careers in medicine and health, preparing them to serve underrepresented and underresourced communities.
• STEMM Scholars Academy
• STEMM Scholars Academy Plus
• STEMM Parent Academy (SPNA)
• CPASS Mini-Medical Schools
• STEMM-3D Scholars Academy
• Creating Equity in STEMM Podcast

Products and services

• STEMM Scholars Academy Free, residential summer academy that prepares underrepresented Illinois students for college and STEMM careers through intensive academic coursework, mentoring, and exposure to health and science careers.
• STEMM Scholars Academy Plus (Saturday Academy) Saturday-based academic enrichment and college-prep program for underrepresented Illinois students, extending the STEMM Scholars Academy curriculum to a non-residential format.
• STEMM-3D Scholars Academy Virtual reality-based STEMM academy that uses the STEMM-3D platform to deliver anatomy, clinical-skills, and career-exploration experiences to students unable to attend in-person programs.
• CPASS Mini-Medical Schools Short-format medical school-style courses that introduce students to pre-medical coursework, clinical reasoning, and the medical school application process.
• CPASS Medicine Pre-Matriculation Program (CPMP) Pre-matriculation academic preparation program for incoming medical students from underrepresented backgrounds, delivered in partnership with Illinois medical schools.
• Chicago Academic Medicine Program (CAHMCP) Direct medical school preparation program for underrepresented Illinois students, including MCAT prep, application support, and clinical exposure, succeeding the legacy Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program.
• STEMM Parent Academy Educational program for parents and guardians of STEMM-pathway students, providing guidance on supporting college and medical school preparation.
• Illinois STEMM Program Search Tool Online searchable database that helps Illinois students and families locate STEMM and pre-health programs by geography, level, and focus area.
• PocketBook: A Quick Guide for STEMM Students Free downloadable study guide for STEMM students, providing concise guidance on academic preparation, college application, and STEMM career navigation.

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary, legacy and minor.

• Lewis UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost campus for STEMM Scholars Academy residential program and college credit courses. Faculty volunteer to teach and mentor students. Partnership provides access to university facilities, laboratories, and faculty expertise.
• The Chicago SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner for STEMM Scholars Academy providing faculty expertise, mentorship, and educational programming for scholars in the three-year talent development program.
• Griffin Museum of Science and IndustrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicago museum partner offering hands-on STEMM learning experiences and exposure to science and technology careers for program participants.
• Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and SciencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost site for Mini-Medical School program serving 4th-7th grade students from North Chicago and Waukegan, IL. Offers hands-on health sciences education on Saturday mornings.
• Rush University Medical SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost site for Mini-Medical School providing free healthcare career education for 4th-5th grade students with bus transportation, lunch, and supplies included.
• University of Illinois ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner through Urban Health Program for Mini Health Professions Program introducing 4th-5th graders to health sciences through lectures, experiments, and anatomical dissections.
• Carle Illinois College of MedicinesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerMini Medical School program for 4th-5th grade students from central Illinois schools exploring health professions through hands-on learning sessions.
• Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)legacyStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal host institution for CAHMCP since 1979. Current host campus for STEMM Scholars Academy College Prep Workshop days.
• Institute of Medicine of ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization advancing health equity through convening healthcare, education, research, and policy leaders. Co-hosts recognition events and collaborative initiatives.
• Health & Medicine Policy Research GroupsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit policy research organization partnering to advance healthcare workforce development and health equity initiatives.
• Southern Illinois University CarbondalesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner offering STEMM programs and activities for underrepresented students in southern Illinois.
• MAPSCorpssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth entrepreneurship program providing STEMM internships for program participants to gain real-world experience.
• Governors State UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost site for GSU STEAM Camp providing STEMM educational opportunities for students.
• Medical Organization for Latino Advancement (MOLA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional medical organization supporting advancement of Latino healthcare professionals, aligned with CPASS mission.
• Cook County Physicians AssociationsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional association supporting minority physicians and healthcare access in Cook County.
• Math with EEEs, IncminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMath education organization supporting STEMM skill development for program participants.
• Midwestern UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare university hosting field trips for STEMM Scholars to explore healthcare careers hands-on at their Downers Grove Campus.
• Pete's MarketminorOthersProvides fresh food and provisions for scholars during program days, supporting student care and wellbeing.
• Chartwells Higher EdminorOthersProvides meals for scholars during program activities, ensuring students are nourished and ready to learn.
• Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides financial aid guidance and college preparation support for STEMM Scholars through workshops and resources.
• Chase BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports financial literacy programming for STEMM Scholars through workshops and direct program support.
• Archer CareerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides career exploration programming and scholarship research support for STEMM Scholars.
• Junior AchievementminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers entrepreneurship and career readiness programming for STEMM Scholars through problem-solving experiences.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• QuestBridge: QuestBridge connects high-achieving low-income students with top colleges through scholarships and pathway programs. It is comparable to CPASS in serving underrepresented high schoolers preparing for selective college and STEMM pathways, though QuestBridge operates nationally while CPASS is Illinois-focused.
• Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP): SHPEP is a national free summer pipeline program for underrepresented college students interested in health professions, hosted at medical schools. It is directly comparable to CPASS's CAHMCP and Mini-Medical Schools in serving underrepresented pre-health students at medical school campuses.
• INROADS: INROADS operates internship and career pathway programs for underrepresented college students across STEM, business, and healthcare. It is comparable to CAHMCP/CPASS in its mission to develop diverse talent into healthcare and STEM careers through structured, multi-year programming.
• Posse Foundation: Posse Foundation identifies and develops diverse leaders through college scholarship programs at partner universities. It is comparable in mission, target population (underrepresented students), and reliance on university partnerships to deliver programming.
• Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO): SEO provides multi-year pathway programs preparing high-potential underrepresented students for college and careers, including STEM and pre-professional tracks. It is a direct peer in offering free, multi-year talent development for underrepresented students with strong corporate and university partnerships.
• SMASH Academy (Level Playing Field Institute): SMASH Academy is a STEM college prep program for underrepresented high school students, offering multi-year summer residential experiences at partner universities. It is directly comparable to CPASS's STEMM Scholars Academy in target population, residential model, and university-partnership approach—CPASS's Associate Director Tracie Screven previously launched SMASH Illinois.
• National Medical Fellowships (NMF): NMF provides scholarships and pathway support for underrepresented minority medical students. It is a direct peer to CAHMCP's medical-school-stage programming, including MCAT prep and residency support for underrepresented in medicine (URiM) students.

Emerging players

• Braven: Braven provides career preparation and college persistence support for underrepresented college students, with growing emphasis on tech and STEM careers. It is comparable in serving underrepresented students with structured multi-year programming, though Braven focuses more on college persistence than K-12 pipeline work.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cpassfoundation
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCAIuzPxHZowbXop9B1PLLVA
• Facebookfacebook.com/cpassfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cpass-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/cpassfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about CPASS Foundation