Pathways for K-12
Achievable Dream High School Partnership
The Virginia Tech-Achievable Dream Academy partnership was established in 2009 to help Virginia Tech and the Commonwealth of Virginia achieve its goals related to college access, success and student diversity. Achievable Dream high schoolers visit VTCSOM annually, and participate in hands-on/ minds-on STEM enrichment activities that focus on health careers.
Related Story: Summer program makes achievable dreams come true
Future Doctors Society
The VTCSOM Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Virginia Tech College Access Collaborative, hosted more than 40 underrepresented minority high school members of the Future Doctors Society from various high schools in Northern Virginia in November 2021.
The students had the opportunity to engage with various departments at VTC and learn about what makes us unique. Not only did they get to ask medical students all about their experience getting into medical school, but they also received a presentation from the admissions department to provide guidance on what they can begin doing while in high school to prepare for applying to medical school.
Afternoon activities included a handwashing activity where the students learned the importance of proper handwashing using glow lotion and blacklights, a medical school tour, as well as a vital sign activity. Students were provided the gift of a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer kit and practiced taking blood pressures. The students were all interested in the healthcare field and remained engaged during the visit to VTCSOM.
Health Professions Enrichment Program (HPEP)
In partnership with Virginia Tech’s College Access Collaborative, VTCSOM administers the Health Professions Enrichment Program (HPEP), an educational outreach program for 40 high-potential 9th and 10th-grade students who are passionate about science and health-related careers.
JumpStart for Juniors and Seniors
An educational outreach program for rising 11th and 12th graders who have shown a passion and commitment to pursuing science and healthcare professions at the college level and beyond. The JumpStart program for juniors and seniors provides students with an in-depth look at life as a pre-med student, medical student, and a medical professional. It provides participants the opportunity to learn about medical careers, problem-based learning, teamwork, conflict-resolution, and strength utilization. The program also provides important leadership development skills as successful applicants will serve as student mentors and advisors for the 9th and 10th grade students in our Health Professions Enrichment Program (HPEP).
Medical Discovery of Careers (MedDOCS)
Sponsored by the VTC chapter of the Student National Medical Association and the VTC Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, MedDOCs is a student-run after school pipeline program for Roanoke area high school students from backgrounds under-represented in medicine with the goal of providing high-school students with mentorship and exciting them about pursuing education/careers in science and medicine.
Opportunities for engagement at Virginia Tech
Uplifting Black Men Pre-College Program and Conference
The Pre-College Program is exclusively for students in grades 10 and 11, and includes interactive sessions and activities to help students prepare for college. Participants and chaperones will also attend the Uplifting Black Men Conference. The program and conference are FREE, with lodging and meals covered for invited College Access Collaborative partners. Contact: Mary Grace Campos, mcampos@vt.edu, 540-231-7027.
Junior MANRRS Leadership Institute
Ninth and tenth grade students are invited to apply to attend the Junior Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) Institute - a weekend of hands-on, minds-on workshops that highlight careers in agriculture, environmental science, life sciences, and natural resources. The program promotes academic and professional advancement by empowering and exposing underrepresented, underserved, first-generation and diverse students to viable career pathways, while learning how to become the next generation of diverse leaders. Contact: Mary Grace Campos, mcampos@vt.edu, 540-231-7027.
First Generation College Institute
The First-Generation Institute (FGI) is a three-day residential program designed to increase college student diversity, promote student empowerment, build community through service, and help students develop a college and/or career plan. Contact: Dr. Charmaine Troy, ctroy@vt.edu.
Black College Institute for Juniors and Seniors
The Black College Institute is a 5-day academic summer enrichment program at Virginia Tech’s main campus in Blacksburg. This program invites talented, high achieving and intellectually curious rising high school juniors and seniors from Virginia and other states. Contact: Luisa Burgos, luisab93@vt.edu.
Hispanic College Institute (HCI)
At the Hispanic College Institute, about 150 Hispanic high school students from across the Commonwealth come together on the Blacksburg, Virginia campus of Virginia Tech for a four-day, three-night pre-college academic enrichment empowerment program. Students learn to overcome barriers to college access. Contact: Luisa Burgos, luisab93@vt.edu.
If you are interested in youth programs at VTCSOM, please provide us with your contact information so we can add you to our mailing list.