By Mikisha Plesco, Director of Education
This past 2022-2023 school year, the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) Pathways program has partnered with the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), University Preparatory Academy and Ottawa High School and colleges and universities to provide students who are interested in a healthcare track the opportunity to complete a college tour focusing on college/university health programs. The hands-on experience that students were able to garner from the college tour created a lifelong impact.
In October 2022, Grand Rapids Community College kicked off the college visits by having students walk through a series of lab simulations that include the following fields: medical assisting, nursing, and occupational therapy. Students were able to use healthcare equipment such as syringes, lab dummy patients, stethoscopes, and various therapy equipment. What was important about the GRCC visits were the personal journeys that were told by the health professionals regarding their healthcare journey.
In January 2023, Davenport University hosted a college visit that focused on health activities: nursing and research query. Students had a chance to interact with equipment as well as a data set and reviewed data mining tools. Students’ various activities for the data set reviewed the rudimentary data sets as well as complex data such as music playlists. The information provided was relatable to students and engaging. Davenport University provided a unique opportunity for the student nurse association to present as well as have a presentation on their admission process.
In March 2023, Ferris State University hosted a college visit that focused on nursing and dentistry. Students were able to walk through the history of dentistry, put teeth in a mold based on the anatomy of teeth, walked through a live dentist clinic, and interact in the nurse lab simulation space. The students had a chance to talk with a student and their experience of Ferris as well as hear about their various health programs.
The unique experience that each college/university sparked student comments of wanting to continue the learning opportunities, wanting to see more on the campus, and enjoying presentations by students. The real opportunity that the colleges and universities are providing to each student is the opportunity to be excited about attending and being a part of a community that supports them in a healthcare track as well as getting students comfortable with being on campus. Having a sense of familiarity on campus and seeing the culture of the campus in the healthcare programs helps students to reimagine themselves on campus and ignites a sense of belonging prior to attending college. GRAAHI is truly grateful to GRPS school administrators, participating colleges and universities, and students and families that have participated in these healthcare college tours. The tours are truly making a difference in the joint communities we serve. GRAAHI looks forward to next year as we continue the healthcare college tours with a Fall 2023 kickoff with Grand Valley State University.
To learn more about Pathways, go to graahi.com/education.
