VCU summer program offers glimpse of future in health careers

By Brooklyn Jones
University News Services

Virginia Commonwealth University has completed a one-week summer program for high school students that encourages and educates them through hands-on activities to learn about the many diverse opportunities in health careers.

It's called Project Inquisitive Minds – a program designed for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors that targets underrepresented minority students within Richmond and its surrounding counties.  

Cheryl Chesney-Walker, M.Ed., program director, is responsible for recruiting participants and scheduling activities.

According to Chesney-Walker, the weeklong program is geared toward high school students and encourages them to explore health careers.

This year's program, which took place at the end of June, included 30 students who worked in groups while delving into topics such as dentistry, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, the students participated in activities such as dissecting a sheep's eye and making disaster kits with the Red Cross.

Chesney-Walker said this was the first year VCU offered the program, which has been made possible by a grant from Capitol Virginia Area Health Education Centers.

The program's goal is to provide enhanced learning experiences as they relate to health professions and to encourage students to aim for a career in health care.