Students attending Gwinnett area high schools who have an interest in pursuing a career in health care have an opportunity to apply for a week-long summer program hosted by PCOM Georgia.
The Opportunities Academy, previously known as the Science and Math Summer Academy, is now accepting applications from rising ninth, 10th and 11th grade students for its five-day camp set for June 26 through 30.
The enrichment program is sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Community Partnerships at PCOM Georgia, which is a private, not-for-profit branch campus of the accredited Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine that offers a range of health-related degree programs. The Opportunities Academy is intended to introduce students who identify as African-American, black, Hispanic, Latinx or are traditionally underrepresented in the field of medicine to college readiness and careers in health care. The academy is sponsored by Hologic and the Jackson EMC Foundation.
“In many instances, high school students may be limited in their exposure to various areas within the health care field and others may not realize they want to pursue a career in health care,” said Christy Finley, diversity and inclusion program coordinator for PCOM Georgia. “The academy is a unique opportunity to connect high school students with current and future health care professionals who can provide them with the tools necessary to determine if health care is the right career for them.”
Students participating in the Opportunities Academy will engage in career exploration, practice critical thinking skills and collaboration by engaging in problem-based learning, and develop the skills and self-confidence needed to successfully apply to and navigate college. Lessons in nutrition, anatomy, CPR and trauma will be covered during the camp, and students will be introduced to careers in pharmacy, physical therapy, medicine and research, learning alongside current and future health care professionals, while participating in clinical skills simulations and anatomy labs.
Students interested in applying for the Opportunities Academy can complete an application online here. The application deadline is Friday, April 21. Applications must include a short personal statement about future career goals and at least one teacher recommendation.
