The City of Chicago government in Illinois, US, and local institutions are set to expand healthcare facilities and programmes on the South Side of Chicago.
The associated institutions include the City Colleges of Chicago, the University of Chicago, and the University of Chicago Medical Center (UChicago Medicine).
All the organisations alongside Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will work to increase access to affordable higher education and clinical experiences, and employment opportunities in the growing healthcare sector for South Side residents.
The expansion includes the introduction of a full nursing pathway at Kennedy-King College in Englewood, featuring an associate degree in nursing and a licensed practical nursing programme operated by Malcolm X College at Kennedy-King College.
It also includes a basic nursing assistant programme and general education courses.
Moreover, the collaboration will see the construction of two new facilities, UChicago Medicine Clinical Labs and the Malcolm X College Learning Center, in Washington Park.
Owned and operated by UChicago Medicine, UChicago Medicine Clinical Labs aims to consolidate existing clinical labs, modernise operations, and enhance lab test efficiency.
The labs are expected to create 550 jobs, including around 200 new positions, and provide clinical rotations for students. It will also support the hospital's increased diagnostic needs, particularly for a new cancer pavilion that will open in 2027.
In addition, Malcolm X College Learning Center will be owned and operated by City Colleges and house the first clinical lab tech programme in Chicago, with the potential to extend programming for other allied health professions.
It is projected to serve up to 800 students annually, offering classrooms, office space, dry labs, and retail space.
Both facilities are located on two adjacent plots, the construction of which is expected to commence next year, with opening planned during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Further details on the project, including site plans and renderings, will be shared in the coming months, with the next community meeting on the Washington Park facilities scheduled in April.
University of Chicago Medical Affairs vice president Mark Anderson said: “Our plans in Washington Park will train and empower a more diverse workforce, and also support the growing clinical needs of our medical campus.”
The expansion effort involves contributions from the City of Chicago government, City Colleges of Chicago, the University of Chicago, and UChicago Medicine.
