Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Forward Focus!, Bringing Vision Health, STEM Exploration, and Healthcare Career Discovery to Chicago Youth

CHICAGO —Today Mayor Brandon Johnson, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), Marillac House, Loyola University Department of Ophthalmology, and industry partners, announced Forward Focus!, a free interactive STEM and vision health experience designed to inspire Chicago youth and introduce them to careers in medicine, ophthalmology, and healthcare.

The event will take place on June 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Marillac House, 212 S. Francisco Ave. The event is expected to welcome between 50 and 75 youth ages 14–15 participating in Chicagobility, a Chicago Youth Works career exploration and workforce readiness program administered by DFSS. Participants from several DFSS-funded youth employment providers will come together for a unique opportunity to engage directly with healthcare professionals, explore STEM careers, and gain exposure to educational and career pathways in medicine and ophthalmology.

"When we invest in opportunities that spark curiosity and build skills, we're empowering our young people to see a future for themselves right here in Chicago," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Opportunities for our young people to gain hands on experience while exposing them to career paths in growing fields is what Chicago Youth Works is all about and I'm proud our administration can partner with programs like Forward Focus! as we come together help the next generation discover their potential and pursue their ambitions."

"Chicago is home to some of the most renowned academic ophthalmology programs in the country, yet for many high school-aged students across the city, those resources have never fully felt within reach," said Dr. Lakshman "Lucky" Mulpuri, MD, Founder of Forward Focus!. "Forward Focus! was created to change that, bringing vision sciences directly to the community through a partnership with Chicago Youth Works and Marillac House. By connecting these students at a critical juncture in their lives with physicians from across the city, we aim to open new avenues for young adults who may not have known these doors existed. With hands-on surgical skill activities, wet labs, virtual reality stations, and healthy eating workshops, we hope to plant these seeds early and cultivate the next generation of STEM leaders."

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During the event, participants will rotate through several interactive learning stations designed to make science, medicine, and vision health engaging and accessible:

• IOL Simulation Lab – Youth will implant intraocular lenses using SimulEyes surgical simulators alongside ophthalmology professionals and representatives from Bausch & Lomb and Sight Sciences.
• Eye Anatomy Exploration – Supported by Loyola University's Department of Ophthalmology, participants will examine eye models and explore eye anatomy through virtual reality technology.
• Future in STEM Photo Booth – Youth will have the opportunity to envision themselves in careers such as medicine, engineering, research, and other STEM professions.
• Healthy Eating Workshop – Participants will learn how nutrition contributes to long-term vision health and will prepare a healthy meal alongside a local Chicago chef.

Forward Focus! aligns with Chicago Youth Works' mission of preparing young people for future success through career exploration, workforce development, and exposure to industries that offer pathways to economic mobility. By connecting youth with healthcare professionals and hands-on learning experiences, the event helps broaden awareness of opportunities available within the healthcare and STEM sectors.

"We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to explore their potential and envision a future filled with possibility," said DFSS Commissioner Angela Green. "Forward Focus! exemplifies the power of partnership by connecting Chicago youth with hands-on experiences, caring professionals, and career pathways they may not have otherwise encountered. By exposing young people to opportunities in healthcare and STEM, we are not only expanding their horizons, we are investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will help shape the future of our city."

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Marillac House, which serves as the host site for the event, has long been committed to supporting children, youth, and families through programs that strengthen communities and expand access to opportunity. Hosting Forward Focus! reflects a shared commitment to empowering young people through education, enrichment, and career exploration.

"We are so excited to partner with Chicago Youth Works," said Maureen Hallagan, Chief of External Affairs and Mission at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services. Our partnership with the City of Chicago opens up so many opportunities and experiences for not only the young people but for the entire community MSV serves."

The event also demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when healthcare professionals, educational institutions, community organizations, and public partners work together to create meaningful experiences for Chicago's young people.

By combining vision health education, STEM engagement, career exploration, and community partnership, Forward Focus! aims to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals while helping youth envision their future and the many possibilities available to them.

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About Forward Focus!
Forward Focus! is a community-based STEM and vision health initiative created by Dr. Lakshman "Lucky" Mulpuri, MD, to introduce youth to ophthalmology, healthcare, and related STEM careers through engaging, hands-on educational experiences.

About Chicago Youth Works
Chicago Youth Works connect youth and young adults, ages 14-24, across the city with paid employment and internship opportunities through partnerships between government institutions, community-based organizations, and employers. Chicago Youth Works aims to hire approximately 29,000 individuals throughout the city.

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