Medline sets students up for success through Waukegan to College support

Medline is proud to support local organizations in the communities where our employees live and work. That support includes Illinois-based Waukegan to College. The organization empowers students to achieve their goals through a unique college readiness and access program designed to assist students in applying for college, navigating financial aid, and ultimately finding their career after college. Mentors serve as a vital support pillar and advocate for the students throughout their journey. Medline's support over the last four years has helped Waukegan students persist in college and learn about career opportunities, a critical component in building the workforce of tomorrow.

In July, Medline hosted 19 students from Waukegan to College for an opportunity to hear from Medline thought leaders, network with current employees, and learn about product lifecycles. Waukegan to College, a Lake County nonprofit focused on guiding first-generation college students through high school and college, visited Medline's Northfield campus to give students the opportunity to see themselves working at Medline.

"It was really a great opportunity for the students to imagine themselves in a career," said Karen Ortega, quality lab technician for Medline. "Having the opportunity to hear about the various career paths within Medline had a lot of students excited for the future."

For 15 years, Waukegan to College has been guiding first-generation college students in Lake County through college and graduation. In June, the nonprofit organization celebrated 24 high school and 14 college graduates during their annual ceremony held at Waukegan High School.

"Support from companies like Medline is critical to the Waukegan to College mission and the ultimate success of our students," said Aaron Arnold, executive director of Waukegan to College. "As we cross the 100 graduate milestone and look towards serving 1,000 students by 2029, Medline's support of our college persistence program, providing career exploration for our middle and high school students, and amazing volunteers remains ever important."

Greg Gomez, principal clinical research scientist at Medline and Waukegan to College volunteer, became a mentor in September 2022 and recently saw his mentee graduate high school and start the transition into college.

Gomez discovered that there is a large unmet need in preparing first-generation college students for higher education. "I learned that mentoring wasn't simply about my relationship with my mentee but with his whole family as well."

As his mentee starts on their next chapter, Gomez reflected on the process, "it is rare to have a personal impact on someone's success, to help develop it and to see the result of hard work and ambition. I am honored to have been a part of that journey."

Maurice Davison, a current Medline intern, credited Waukegan to College and the college persistence program for guiding him through every step thus far. "Waukegan to College has been a great support in providing opportunities and resources that enhance my personal and professional development," Maurice said. "From helping me prepare for college, securing a full tuition scholarship, and introducing me to my final internship as a senior, I am proud to say Waukegan to College has been there every step of the way."

As the new school year approaches and students begin to move into their college dorms, Medline applauds the hard work and dedication of all who have reached this point. We are thrilled to see where your journey takes you.

Waukegan to College is one of Medline's many nonprofit partners offering programs and services for individuals, children and families in Lake County experiencing the greatest need.

To learn more about our efforts in Lake County and the Chicagoland area, please visit the Medline Chicagoland website.