Programs for High-School Students

Undergraduate High School Basic Content

Penn State College of Medicine offers a number of experiences for high school students interested in exploring careers in health care and biomedical sciences.

Opportunities include:

Research Observation and Internships

High school students wishing short-term (one- to two-day) research shadowing (observational) opportunities. These experiences are intended for students who want to explore research opportunities by observing the work of research professionals, but do not permit hands-on research. Alternatively, high school students wishing an extended (several weeks or months) practical hands-on laboratory research experience can apply for a research internship.

Such internships are intended as part of career exploration or to enhance credentials for college admission. Students need to be in academic good standing, and may identify and apply directly to a specific laboratory mentor/supervisor (MD, PhD, DVM or equivalent) at the College of Medicine. Research mentors can be identified on the Penn State Research Portal. This option is available for high school students older than 16 where the research project is a part of their academic program.

Health Care Career Exploration Program

The Health Care Career Exploration Program is a partnership of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine and local high schools. The purpose of the program is to support rising seniors from surrounding community high schools who are interested in health care careers through observation, interactive seminars, problem-based learning sessions and shadowing opportunities.

PULSE

A novel collaboration between medical students and high school students, the PULSE program is a semester long academic course taught at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays in the fall. PULSE aims to cultivate interest in medicine and healthcare by introducing high school students to medical topics through lectures, facilitated small group learning experiences and supplemental activities (e.g., laboratories, simulations, exhibits, student presentations).

Inspired Nursing

Inspired Nursing is a program for any high school student, college student, or other individuals not currently in a health-care-related program of study who are interested in exploring a professional career in nursing. "Inspired Nursing" highlights the diversity of roles and opportunities which exist in nursing. The day begins with brief presentations by nurses practicing in a variety of roles and clinical areas. Students will participate in clinical activities in our Simulation Center and be provided an educational tour of the medical center clinical nursing areas.

Surgery Live!

Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center have created an innovative partnership designed to stimulate the interest of high school students in careers in health care. With the support of Highmark BlueShield, Surgery Live! at Whitaker Center connects students to the operating rooms of Hershey Medical Center through interactive high-definition videoconferencing technology.

Capital Area Science & Engineering Fair

The Capital Area Science & Engineering Fair is held each March at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. Any student in ninth through 12th grade may enter.