Program Overview

High School Health Careers Program

The High School Health Careers Program is designed to introduce students to various aspects of biomedical science, with a focus on clinical applications. The program aims to enhance students' knowledge, skills, and confidence in pursuing careers in the health professions.

Program Structure

The program consists of several components, including:

• Academic Enrichment: English communication, biology, and mathematics
• Cultural and Contemporary Health Issues Seminars
• Health Equity Research Project
• Post-program Feedback

Academic Enrichment

The academic enrichment component includes:

English Communication

• Students practice listening skills and enhance communication skills through public speaking and class discussions
• Students expand their vocabulary through assigned readings and in-class assignments
• Mastery is demonstrated through quizzes and writing assignments
• Students practice different forms of writing, including reaction and response papers, and personal reflections
• Students enhance their reading ability and speed with ongoing assigned readings and reading comprehension tests

Biology

• The course introduces students to advanced topics and skills in select areas of biomedical science, with a focus on clinical applications
• Students discover careers, discuss topics, and practice techniques related to various areas of biomedical science, including clinical medicine, research, health education, and public health/epidemiology
• Students become informed health consumers, advocating for themselves and their families
• Students collaborate, gain hands-on experience through laboratory activities, and advance their knowledge of biomedical science

Mathematics

• The mathematics curriculum enhances students' readiness for the mathematics portion of the SAT
• Students discuss strategies useful on the SAT and examine problems that exemplify these strategies
• Students learn or review topics useful for the SATs and general knowledge

Reading and Cognitive Abilities Assessments

• The Nelson-Denny Reading Test and Cognitive Abilities Test are administered as pre-tests to establish baseline data for each participant
• The tests are also administered at the end of the program as post-tests to assess participants' progress

Cultural and Contemporary Health Issues Seminars

Guest lecturers discuss topics relevant to the health professions, including current prominent health issues, areas of specialized medical training, and their individual careers and journeys in medical and professional school.

Health Equity Research Project

Participants work in small groups to research a health issue that disproportionately impacts a population group in Massachusetts and potential solutions to increase health equity. Students present their projects to a panel of judges, and the top-ranked groups present at the closing ceremony.

Post-program Feedback

Following completion of the program, participants receive detailed feedback from the program director on their performance and an individualized plan for continued preparation for application to health professions programs.

Program Requirements

• Full attendance at all program activities is required
• Students must reside in provided housing for the duration of the program
• Participants are expected to attend the entire 4-week program

Financial Support

• Participants receive a $600 stipend, paid on the last day of the program

Housing Information

• Housing is provided at Worcester State University, Wasylean Hall
• The cost is covered by the program
• Students are required to stay on campus Sunday through Friday and return home Friday evening
• Each suite accommodates one Dorm Parent and five participants in two double or two single rooms
• Roommates are assigned randomly prior to arrival
• Students are supervised by Dorm Parents in a ratio of 1:5
• Each suite has a furnished kitchen, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a furnished common area
• The program provides daily $15 meal tickets for lunch and breakfast and dinner at the WSU dining hall
• The Dowden Fitness Center at WSU campus is available for participant use during special hours
• The laundry room is located on the first floor

Daily Transportation

• Round-trip bus transportation is provided Monday-Friday between the WSU housing facility and UMass Chan
• This transportation is covered by the program