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Health Science & Technology Academy: an example of successful outreach and state infrastructure (531.23)
Author(s) -
Klinkhachorn Penprapa,
Radow Mark
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.531.23
Subject(s) - outreach , disadvantaged , medical education , health science , psychology , test (biology) , mathematics education , medicine , political science , law , paleontology , biology
HSTA is a WV program to increase health awareness, increase community engagement, and decrease health disparity. The goal of HSTA is to expose disadvantaged high school students to the STEM subjects to pursue a degree in health, science, and technology. The main programs offered are Fun with Science, Forensic Science, Biomedical Summer Institute, and Senior Preparation. Eligible students are African American (30%), low income (63%), females (67%), the first in their family to go to college (74%), and living in rural areas (83%). Anatomy is one of seven biomed groups offered, and the activities are fun, engaging, and interactive. The majority of the student survey responses were very positive. 94% of students learned a lot from their group inquiry and from visiting the gross lab. 75% agreed that HSTA was able to influence their decision to go to college and 84% to choose health careers. 82% are satisfied with the overall program. 97% of HSTA students go to college vs. 56% of all WV high school students. The gross lab tour was popular and the props used for heart and lungs helped to stimulate critical thinking skills. They learned the proper techniques to check vital signs and perform physical exams. Students had fun playing a Jeopardy game which was used as a tool to test what they learn that week. In conclusion, students participating in WVU HSTA Biomed Program learn a lot from hands‐on activities and competitive games in anatomy show and tell. This NIH‐funded infrastructure has been successful in providing opportunities for participating youths and in increasing the number of health science professionals in WV. Under supervision and guidance, these high school students can conduct activities to help increase awareness and better the overall health of their families and communities. Grant Funding Source : Supported in part by NIH‐NCCR # 10009490.28.1003654R.