Applications have opened for the Ochsner STAR (Science, Technology, Academic, Research) Summer Scholars Program.
STAR, Ochsner Health’s legacy high school program, was created to increase student access to science and academic research in Louisiana. STAR provides students, particularly those with limited means or access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education), a cost-free opportunity to explore the world of health care.
The hands-on summer program focuses on science, technology, academics and research. During a four-week summer course, it aims to engage and inspire students to pursue careers in science and medicine by exposing students to the most innovative aspects of modern health care and by challenging them to find their best personal fit in the health care workforce.
“Education outreach is incredibly important to Ochsner Health. In fact, our founder, the late Dr. John Ochsner, had a guiding principle of investing in education to provide a promising future for the students of Louisiana,” said Carlos Calix, assistant vice president of school partnerships for Ochsner Health. “We remain fully committed to our legacy STAR program because of the opportunity it brings our youth, but also because it serves as an incredible pipeline for our future doctors, nurses, scientists and other health care professionals we need here in the state and throughout the Gulf South.”
STAR’s curriculum offers hands-on learning and classroom seminars through hospital and clinic rotations. On average, STAR students explore over 60 departments and specialties, interact with more than 75 clinical and nonclinical employees, and receive over 160 hours of free health care and science education. Scholars participate in cutting-edge scientific experiments under the guidance of Ochsner scientists in laboratories and learn how to properly conduct and professionally present research.
Research shows that health care workers are acutely needed. According to the Association of American Colleges, the United States could see an estimated shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034. Another analysis found that the health care industry could be short 2.1 million nurses by 2025.
To better prepare STAR pupils for the workforce, students will learn leadership development and other important professional development skills from career development experts. These include presentation skills, resume writing and interview skills, team building, and professionalism in the workplace. CPR certification for each participating student is included.
For more information on the program, visit www.ochsner.org/star, or to apply visit www.ochsner.org/star/apply.