Building Connections Through Letters: UIC’s Pen Pal Program Promotes Educational Equity
Story Content
The UIC School of Public Health’s Pen Pal Program, which connects college students with elementary school students in underserved communities, began in 2015 with a mission to foster mentorship, encourage educational aspirations, and bridge gaps in public health infrastructure. The program was founded by Cindy San Miguel (‘16) who, during a visit to Gary Elementary School’s College Day in 2014, saw an opportunity to make a difference through a simple but powerful idea: a letter exchange.
Initially, the program involved just one school, but it has since expanded to three Chicago Public Schools (CPS), reaching 176 students in the 2024-2025 academic year. This expansion was made possible by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) and the SPH Minority Students for the Advancement of Public Health (MSAPH) executive board. Each year, MSAPH makes a call for volunteers and leads a letter exchange between members of the UIC community and the 5th graders. Participants share interests, goals, and personal stories to inspire academic success. The exchanges culminate in a Pen Pal Visit Day each April, where the elementary students visit the UIC campus, meet their pen pals, and engage in activities exploring various career paths, including those in public health and health sciences.
“We want this program to be a springboard for both UIC students and CPS students,” says Cecilia O. Macias, SPH Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as one of the pen pal program’s supervisors. “We hope it will inspire UIC students to continue to give back to their communities and motivate the younger students to learn about higher education and the various careers in the health sciences.“
The program aims to address critical community needs, particularly the low high school graduation rates in underserved areas. By reaching students early, at the 5th-grade level, the program introduces them to the idea of higher education and careers long before they enter middle school. This early exposure helps foster academic skills, self-confidence, and the belief that success in higher education is achievable.
Beyond academics, the Pen Pal Program strengthens community ties by encouraging ongoing communication between UIC and local schools. UIC students gain leadership experience and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these communities, while elementary students receive mentorship and encouragement to continue striving for educational attainment.
Looking forward, the program hopes to continue expanding its reach, with the ultimate goal of increasing access to higher education for all students in underserved communities, one letter at a time.