Connecticut Health Careers Academy Gives Stratford Students a Push Toward the Pipeline
Southwestern AHEC, Inc. is taking a stand for the success of Stratford high school students interested in health and medical careers. Through a grant by the WorkPlace, Inc., SWAHEC is enhancing its already astonishing Youth Health Service Corps program to include a bi-monthly after school program focusing on college and career preparedness. Stratford High School and Bunnell High School students are asked to commit to meetings for the full course of the school year in order to gain the maximum benefits from the program offerings. The program seeks to provide a framework wherein high school students can receive assistance in achieving personal, educational, and career-oriented goals.
The program curriculum is based around four major areas: guest speakers from various health professions, field trips to a mixture of diverse health facilities, a mentoring program involving college students from local universities, and parental information sessions. Students and mentors will meet every other Thursday at the Stratford Library for two hours of fun and educational interaction. On top of hearing from career-driven health professionals, students – with their mentors guidance – will have the opportunity to research hundreds of different health and medical careers, ranging from doctors to x-ray technicians to occupational therapists, in order to find their niche. The chance to visit facilities, such as the Stratford Health Department, as well as educational exhibits, such as the Bodies Exhibition, will be available throughout the year. Students and their mentors are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities!
The program will also instill the basics of college and career preparedness. Students will practice writing resumes, filling out college applications and financial paperwork, interview skills and developing portfolios. E-mail and social networking etiquette will also be addressed, as well as researching schools and dressing for success. Parents are encouraged to attend any meetings involving preparedness, so they can support their child at home when it’s time to make decisions about their future.
2009-2010 Stratford HOSA Officers at the first CT Health Careers Academy Meeting!
