Healthcare Leader and Educator Calls for Grassroots Support in Bridging Educational Gaps

CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / July 9, 2025 / Acclaimed healthcare professional and longtime mentor John Musachia is advocating for greater awareness and local involvement in STEM education and mentorship programmes for underserved students. Drawing from decades of experience in the medical technology industry and years of direct engagement with students, Musachia is urging professionals, educators, and individuals to step forward as mentors and advocates in their own communities.

"Academic support shouldn't end when the school bell rings," said Musachia. "The right guidance, especially in subjects like science and maths, can open doors students didn't even know existed."

Musachia serves on the Board of Directors at Perspectives Charter School in Chicago, where he also provides math and science tutoring. He is a mentor with the Illinois Math and Science Academy's Medicine for Minorities programme, helping students navigate pathways toward careers in healthcare and STEM.

The Numbers Tell the Story

According to the National Science Foundation, African American, Hispanic, and Native American students remain significantly underrepresented in STEM occupations-making up less than 15% of the STEM workforce despite being over 30% of the U.S. population. Meanwhile, studies show that students with mentors are 55% more likely to enrol in college and 130% more likely to hold leadership positions later in life.

"We have no shortage of talent," Musachia said. "But we do have a shortage of access. That's where mentorship comes in."

Local Action, Lasting Change

Musachia believes that community-level involvement, not just policy, is key to building stronger STEM pipelines. He encourages individuals to look beyond large-scale programmes and instead consider what they can offer directly-through schools, local nonprofits, or one-on-one support.

"You don't need a PhD or a full-time teaching role to make a difference," he said. "You just need the willingness to show up and listen."

His work with Rehab Assist 501(c)(3)-which raises funds for housing repairs in underserved Chicago communities-reinforces his belief that education and stability are deeply connected.

"You can't study physics if your ceiling is leaking," Musachia added. "Supporting the whole student-home, health, and hope-is how we build real progress."

What You Can Do

Musachia is calling on professionals in science, healthcare, tech, and business to consider small but impactful actions:

Start with:

  • Volunteering a few hours per month with a local school or tutoring programme.

  • Mentoring a student through a university or nonprofit initiative.

  • Donating to grassroots education charities focused on STEM access.

  • Sharing your career story with students who may not otherwise see themselves in those roles.

"Mentorship isn't about having all the answers," Musachia said. "It's about helping someone ask better questions."

About John Musachia

John Musachia is a veteran of the healthcare and medical technology industry, serving as Territory Manager at Edwards Lifesciences. A 16-time President's Club award winner, he brings decades of consistent performance to both business and service. He is also a board member, mentor, martial artist, and founder of Rehab Assist 501(c)(3). Musachia holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and DePaul University, where he earned his MBA in 1994.

SOURCE: John Musachia



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