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About TAMI
About TAMI
The Technology and Adolescent Mental Health Internship (TAMI) is an 8-week, community-engaged program at Rush University College of Nursing that introduces high school and early college students to youth mental health research, digital health innovation, and community action. Through interactive workshops, mentorship, and project-based learning, TAMI Scholars learn to design, analyze, and communicate research using real-world digital tools.
By blending science, storytelling, and technology, the program equips youth to advance mental health equity, strengthen digital literacy, and lead community-driven solutions for resilience and well-being.
Understand our approach
Over the course of the 8-week program, participants engage in interactive workshops, meet mental health professionals and researchers, and co-design real solutions to real problems facing their communities. Whether learning to conduct ethical research, design youth-friendly apps, or tell digital stories, TAMI students leave with new skills, a supportive network, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Over the course of the 8-week program, participants engage in interactive workshops, meet mental health professionals and researchers, and co-design real solutions to real problems facing their communities. Whether learning to conduct ethical research, design youth-friendly apps, or tell digital stories, TAMI students leave with new skills, a supportive network, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Join us in shaping the future of adolescent mental health.
Join us in shaping the future of adolescent mental health.
Powered by youth, for youth.
Powered by youth, for youth.
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
The TAMI Program positions young people as co-creators of knowledge and agents of change.
Through mentorship, team-based learning, advocacy, and foundational community-engaged research training, the program equips young people, particularly those from structurally marginalized communities, to examine systems, speak from their lived experiences, and design meaningful solutions. TAMI moves beyond extractive approaches and helps build more just and culturally grounded pathways for advancing health equity.
Program Highlights +
Program Highlights +
Cohort Size: 30 students per cohort (every Fall)
Partner Schools: 5–8 high schools in and around Chicago
70+ students from 8 high schools trained via TAMI internships.
Weekly online sessions with one in-person graduation ceremony at Rush University (family members welcome)
Student-led capstone projects and community projects
Gift cards awarded for meeting program milestones
Guest experts and speakers
Certificate of completion for all participants
Student co-authorship opportunity on academic papers (following ICMJE guidelines)
Opportunities:
Strengthen your résumé and college applications
Top-performing students may be invited to co-author a publication or conference abstract.
Engage with inspiring guest speakers from the STEAM fields
TAMI Program Schedule
TAMI Program Schedule
(Sample 8-Week Timeline)
(Sample 8-Week Timeline)
Topic/Theme
Activities & Focus
Week 1
Orientation & Community Building
Meet your cohort, set expectations, and explore TAMI's goals: icebreakers, team-building, and tech setup.
Week 2
Intro to Mental Health & Research
Learn key mental health concepts, the power of storytelling, and how research helps communities heal.
Week 3
Ethics, Identity & Youth-Led Research:
Explore research ethics, positionality, and how your lived experience matters in public health work.
Week 4
Guest Speaker, Tech for Good: Digital Tools & Design Thinking:
Learn how tech can support youth mental health. Hands-on app review and intro to co-design strategies.
Week 5
Guest Speakers & Skill-Building Workshops:
Hear from researchers, clinicians, and activists. Practice skills in data collection, interviewing, and analysis.
Week 6
Creative Storytelling & Digital Expression:
Use art, audio, or digital media to tell your story or highlight a youth mental health issue.
Week 7
Final Project Prep & Peer Review:
Refine your capstone projects or group solutions. Get feedback from mentors and peers.
Week 8
Showcase & Graduation
Present your work at our TAMI Showcase. Celebrate your growth and receive your certificate!
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Explore photos and videos showcasing our program's events, workshops, and participants' activities. See what it's all about.
What You’ll Learn
What You’ll Learn
Community-Based Research Skills
Mental Health & Research Literacy
Technology for Good, exploring how digital tools, apps, and innovation can support mental health and social impact.
Youth Storytelling & Advocacy – Use your voice to share stories, drive awareness, and influence change.Mentorship & Professional Networking – Connect with mentors, researchers, and community leaders who will guide your growth.
App Design & Digital Co-Creation – Collaborate on tech-based projects that blend creativity, data, and design thinking.
Who can apply
Who can apply
Chicago high school students,
Ages 15-18, regardless of gender, race/ethnicity.
Applicants must commit to attending the full duration of the internship (8 weeks each Fall) in Chicago, Illinois.
Begin your journey
Begin your journey
Apply now and take the first step towards personal growth and development. Find instructions, required documents, and deadlines here. Ready to apply?
Attendees will be selected through an application process, reviewed, and accepted every Fall.
Hear from our TAMI grads
Hear from our TAMI grads
“I never thought I’d help design an app, now I’m applying to study psychology!”
“I never thought I’d help design an app, now I’m applying to study psychology!”
TAMI graduate, 2023
“I liked our lesson on quantitative and qualitative research because I always had trouble distinguishing the two, but learning about it here has made the two more clear. Conducting literature reviews were also valuable because it showed me why data on research papers are valuable, and how to detect the reliability of data.”
“I liked our lesson on quantitative and qualitative research because I always had trouble distinguishing the two, but learning about it here has made the two more clear. Conducting literature reviews were also valuable because it showed me why data on research papers are valuable, and how to detect the reliability of data.”
TAMI graduate, 2024
“I used to think research was just for adults in lab coats. TAMI showed me that my voice and ideas matter too.”
“I used to think research was just for adults in lab coats. TAMI showed me that my voice and ideas matter too.”
TAMI graduate, 2023
“Being part of TAMI helped me speak up more, not just in meetings, but in life. I learned how to turn my story into something that could change the world.”
“Being part of TAMI helped me speak up more, not just in meetings, but in life. I learned how to turn my story into something that could change the world.”
TAMI graduate, 2024
2025 (Cohort 3)
2025 (Cohort 3)
Alina Z.
Alina Zhao is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep. She started MedicineConnect, a student-led nonprofit that shares clear, teen-friendly health information through physician Q&As and short blogs. At school, she supports community events through working within student government on approvals, logistics, and communication for many clubs. Her interest in medicine has grown through her participation in Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School, shadowing at Lurie Children’s, and volunteering with Rush University Medical Center’s programs. Additionally, Alina has conducted research in immunology, observing how IL-10 shapes CD8 T cell subset dynamics in chronic viral infection. She also dedicates her time to fencing and violin, frequently going to competitions across the nation. Across these experiences, Alina focuses on access and clarity, planning to explore biomedical engineering and pediatric care, aiming for community-rooted solutions that turn scientific insight into impact.
Chloe A.
Alina Zhao is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep. She started MedicineConnect, a student-led nonprofit that shares clear, teen-friendly health information through physician Q&As and short blogs. At school, she supports community events through working within student government on approvals, logistics, and communication for many clubs. Her interest in medicine has grown through her participation in Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School, shadowing at Lurie Children’s, and volunteering with Rush University Medical Center’s programs. Additionally, Alina has conducted research in immunology, observing how IL-10 shapes CD8 T cell subset dynamics in chronic viral infection. She also dedicates her time to fencing and violin, frequently going to competitions across the nation. Across these experiences, Alina focuses on access and clarity, planning to explore biomedical engineering and pediatric care, aiming for community-rooted solutions that turn scientific insight into impact.
Isabella C.
Issie W.
Kaavya S.
Alina Zhao is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep. She started MedicineConnect, a student-led nonprofit that shares clear, teen-friendly health information through physician Q&As and short blogs. At school, she supports community events through working within student government on approvals, logistics, and communication for many clubs. Her interest in medicine has grown through her participation in Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School, shadowing at Lurie Children’s, and volunteering with Rush University Medical Center’s programs. Additionally, Alina has conducted research in immunology, observing how IL-10 shapes CD8 T cell subset dynamics in chronic viral infection. She also dedicates her time to fencing and violin, frequently going to competitions across the nation. Across these experiences, Alina focuses on access and clarity, planning to explore biomedical engineering and pediatric care, aiming for community-rooted solutions that turn scientific insight into impact.
Chloe A.
Melissa C.
Mo' E
Rehan K.
Alina Zhao is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep. She started MedicineConnect, a student-led nonprofit that shares clear, teen-friendly health information through physician Q&As and short blogs. At school, she supports community events through working within student government on approvals, logistics, and communication for many clubs. Her interest in medicine has grown through her participation in Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School, shadowing at Lurie Children’s, and volunteering with Rush University Medical Center’s programs. Additionally, Alina has conducted research in immunology, observing how IL-10 shapes CD8 T cell subset dynamics in chronic viral infection. She also dedicates her time to fencing and violin, frequently going to competitions across the nation. Across these experiences, Alina focuses on access and clarity, planning to explore biomedical engineering and pediatric care, aiming for community-rooted solutions that turn scientific insight into impact.
Chloe A.
Isabella C.
Issie W.
Rehan K.
Alina Zhao is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep. She started MedicineConnect, a student-led nonprofit that shares clear, teen-friendly health information through physician Q&As and short blogs. At school, she supports community events through working within student government on approvals, logistics, and communication for many clubs. Her interest in medicine has grown through her participation in Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School, shadowing at Lurie Children’s, and volunteering with Rush University Medical Center’s programs. Additionally, Alina has conducted research in immunology, observing how IL-10 shapes CD8 T cell subset dynamics in chronic viral infection. She also dedicates her time to fencing and violin, frequently going to competitions across the nation. Across these experiences, Alina focuses on access and clarity, planning to explore biomedical engineering and pediatric care, aiming for community-rooted solutions that turn scientific insight into impact.
Chloe A.
Isabella C.
Yalin X.
2024 (Cohort 2)
2024 (Cohort 2)
Shantelle M.
YAB Member
Ethan H.
YAB Member
Sarah K.
YAB Member
Jason P.
YAB Member
2023 (Cohort 1)
2023 (Cohort 1)
Jayla W.
YAB Member
Pablo Z.
YAB Member
Sarah N.
YAB Member
Janiya S.
YAB Member
Program Faculty + Mentors
Program Faculty + Mentors
Chuka Emezue, PhD, MPH, MPA, CHES
Director, Lead Scientist
Andrew Froilan, MSN, RN
Research Assistant
Aaron Dunlap, MS
Research Assistant, and
Vibe Curator
Kendra Julion, MS
Research Assistant, and
Vibe Curator
Ready to Make an Impact?
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join a new generation of youth leaders using technology to shape the future of mental health.
Apply now to the TAMI Program and gain hands-on experience in research, innovation, and community change.
Spots are limited—applications open September, each Fall
+ Join Our Waitlist
Our program is usually full. Join our waitlist to be notified as soon as spots become available. We'll keep you updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the TAMI Program?
TAMI stands for Technology & Adolescent Mental Health Internship. It is a 12-week virtual learning and mentorship program designed for high school students interested in mental health, technology, and research. Students explore how science and technology can support youth mental wellness while building real-world research and advocacy skills.
2. Who can apply?
TAMI is open to high school students (grades 9–12) in the Chicago area, with a focus on those from underrepresented communities. Students should be curious, committed, and ready to learn. No prior experience in research or mental health is required.
3. What makes TAMI different?
TAMI is not just a class. It is a movement of youth shaping the future of mental health. The program combines interactive workshops, creative challenges, peer discussions, and mentorship from researchers and community leaders who share your background and care about your voice.
4. What is the weekly time commitment?
TAMI meets once per week for 60 minutes online. There are short, engaging take-home activities in between sessions. We understand that students are busy, so we keep our approach flexible and fun.
5. Is it really free?
Yes. Participation is free, and students who meet the program requirements are eligible to receive gift cards, a certificate of completion, and an invitation to a graduation ceremony with family and friends.
6. Are there any in-person events?
While the program is fully online, we host an optional in-person graduation celebration at the end of the 12-week period.
7. Can I use this internship for school credit or volunteer hours?
Yes. We can provide documentation of your participation for service hours, independent study credit, or college/job applications.
8. How do I apply?
Click the “Apply Now” button on our website or scan the QR code on our flyer. The application includes a few short questions to get to know you. Priority is given to students who express a strong interest and availability.
9. Who runs the TAMI program?
TAMI is led by Dr. Chuka Emezue, a professor and mental health researcher at Rush University, along with a team of educators, scientists, and youth mentors.
10. I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Please email us at brotherlyactstudy@rush.edu, or message us on Instagram at @BrotherlyACT. We are happy to help!
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