Medical Careers Activities in Public Schools

Elementary, middle and high school students participate in a variety of activities introducing and exploring careers in the health care field. Programs include those listed below which incorporate classroom presentations, health and career fairs, after-school and summer programs.

Health Careers Adventure Program

This is an intensive effort of the Northwest Area Health Education Center which includes a four-week summer enrichment component for sixth through twelfth grade students who are considering a health career. Each summer 80 students participate and enhance academic skills in biology, math, chemistry, reading and writing. They learn about health care and health careers through presentations and field trips with health professionals and professional students to health care facilities. Programs during the academic year, after-school, and Saturdays include tutoring, volunteer opportunities and presentations.

The Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) Pre-college Summer Workshop

The PEPP Pre-college Summer Workshop is a residential summer academic enrichment and career exploration program for graduating high school seniors interested in medicine or dentistry. Applicants must be Kentucky residents and preference is given to applicants from designated medically underserved areas and students from ethnic or racial groups underrepresented in medicine or dentistry. Students are exposed to the health sciences and the undergraduate campus community. The program offers academic enrichment in college freshmen level math and science courses, personal and professional development seminars, clinical observations with physicians and dentists, hands on clinical experiences, and a preview of college life! Participants will acquire the tools necessary to transition from high school to college and to confirm their committment to pursue medicine or dentistry.