On Saturday, March 12, I helped the GW Rodham Institute welcome over 20 students to its Health Education Leadership Program (HELP). Established in 2013, HELP targets Washington, D.C., Charles and Prince Georges County, MD middle and high school students, primarily from Title 1 schools. HELP engages youth in an experiential learning program focused on health disparities in their communities, as a vehicle to expose them to medical and allied health careers, and to increase their health literacy and self-advocacy.
Targeting 40 middle and high school youth annually, HELP ultimately offers students ongoing mentoring and hands-on activities related to health fields. Professionals and graduate students in health fields provide guidance, support, and work with students to develop education and career goals.
The first half of our session focused on resume building. Led by Mr. Adrian Williams of the D.C. Department of Employment Services, our participants learned how to translate their experiences, both in and out of school, into concrete action items on their resume. During this process, each student expressed their long-term career goals and dream job experiences. The staff recorded this information and is currently in the course of identifying organizations that will increase their exposure in those particular areas.
For the second half of our session, the HELP students were joined by GW’s Upward Bound Program. During this session, Dr. Bonnie Mason of Nth Dimensions gave a presentation on her journey to become an orthopedic surgeon. All of the participants received their own surgical cap and were able to wear a physician’s white coat. Also, our students participated in a live demonstration on how surgeons operate and repair broken bones. Sample materials and instruments were used to illustrate the specific tools and processes that are required based on the type and location of the fracture.
For more information about the Health Education Leadership Program, please visit https://smhs.gwu.edu/rodhaminstitute/.