2009 Summer Programs

The summer months of 2009 will offer HCOP supported programs and workshops. Twenty-five (25) high school students from the Holyoke community will participate in a structured summer program, highlighting academic curriculum in biology, MCAS preparation, literature composition, and job shadowing activities. The program will be hosted by Holyoke Community College and supported by affiliated partners such as ENLACE (Engaging Latino Communities in Education), and the Holyoke Health Center.

An additional 25 students who will attend Springfield High School of Science and Technology in the fall, will participate in a six-week summer program, which consists of curriculum developed for students following pathways in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) careers. These rising ninth (9th) graders will receive enrichment instruction in physics, chemistry, and lab at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC).

AHEC will be coordinating a summer program aimed at introducing students to careers in oral health and public health. This four-week program also involves students participating in job shadowing activities at the Mercy Medical Center, Parkview Specialty Hospital, and the TJ O'Connor Animal Clinic. STCC is hosting these students and will also assist in providing speakers and other supportive information.

Springfield College will host some 20 undergraduate students from the areas' community college setting for a two- week summer series. This summer program is designed to provide community college students (or those entering community colleges in the fall) with more detailed information about pre-requisites for entering health profession programs at universities and colleges offering baccalaureate degrees. Topics will range from health career planning and exploration to library science research.