About the Program
The Health Education and Leadership Program was founded by Ms. Tracie Bass to expose middle and high school students to a variety of health careers, support academic excellence, promote community engagement and leadership.
The ultimate goal is to make sure students graduate from high school as that increases life expectancy by 10 years, an important indicator of health equity.
The Health Education & Leadership Program (HELP) was designed to promote and encourage health awareness, advocacy, interest, ability and commitment to attending college and pursuing careers in medicine or any health science related fields. HELP currently serves high school students who reside and attend public or charter schools in DC. Maryland and Virginia. The majority of the students that participate in HELP are from Title I schools.
This program is year round and longitudinal. It works with and tracks the student through their high school career and into college. The year round programming consists of: a week long program during the spring break, a week long program for back to school and monthly professional development and service opportunities (Saturdays) throughout the year. These enriching experiences are designed to expose students to various health professions, with an emphasis on medicine/health science, and to provide them with academic survival skills.
The students receive direct skills based instruction from industry professionals, faculty, graduate medical education trainees (residents & fellows) and medical students. HELP participants also have the opportunity to shadow one-on-one with a health care provider during a normal work day. These opportunities help to ensure that the students receive a comprehensive and in-depth look at the health profession.
The goal of HELP is to increase the number of health care practitioners for minority and underserved populations, who will practice in the communities from which they come.
Program
- Students who want the opportunity to learn how to make an impact on their communities.
- Students who want to gain skills and confidence.
- Students interested in community outreach and partnerships to inspire a new generation of healthcare professionals and advocates.
Please complete the contact form and we will contact you with the next steps for the application process.
HELP Scholars
Howard University (c/o '22)
George Mason University (c/o '22)
University of Maine at Presque Isle (c/o '22)
Virginia Union University
Prince George's Community College
University District of Columbia
Northern Virginia Community College
Temple University
Clark Atlanta University
University District of columbia Community College
University of Wisconsin
University of Rochester
