HSTA’s goal is to increase the number of disadvantaged and African American high school students from West Virginia who pursue post-secondary education in the areas of health science. They will be encouraged to return to under-served areas in West Virginia to practice their careers.
In the summer campus-based program, fun hands-on science and math projects are led by middle and high school teachers trained by Marshall University faculty to integrate math and science curriculum with leadership development, self-empowerment, communication skills, study skills and multicultural sensitivity.
During the academic year, community service health projects are the vehicle for academic enrichment and social support. The students are enrolled in HSTA Science Clubs and led by trained middle and high school teachers in group and individualized projects. They develop networking skills, communication skills, the ability to pull together resources and a feeling of ownership in providing solutions to community problems.
The students begin this program as 9th graders and progress through 12th grade with the hope that they will pursue higher education and continue HSTA participation.