The U.S. Surgeon General's initiative "Kids Into Health Careers" (KIHC) focuses on introducing children, especially those of racial and ethnic minority groups, to health careers. As part of a federally funded grant to educate community/public health advanced nurse specialists, the School of Nursing partnered with a local grammar school and two local high schools which have large minority populations. The purpose of the partnership is to foster an interest in health careers and promote healthy behavior. We will highlight the development,implementation and challenges of establishing a Health Career Club for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Outcomes- The participant in this session will be able to: 1. identify steps in partnering with a school in the development of a health career club. 2. develop a successful culturally sensitive agenda for a Health Career Club meetings. 3. measure the effects of club activities on health career interest and selections.
Learning Objectives: The participants: 1. will identify 3 key steps in developing a health career club: (1) Forming a partnership with the principal, Home and School Association, teachers; (2)Marketing the club to the children; (3) Marketing the club to parents. 2. will develop an agenda for a health career club meeting which includes student input, health promotion activities, games related to health careers, speakers, field trips, and hands-on activities that were successful. 3. will discuss the survey tool (Kudor Preference Test)that was utilized in measuring baseline and continued interest.
Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Career Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: We will discuss the Community/Public Health Advanced Nurse Specialist program at The Catholic University of America and the local schools we have partnered with in developing the health career clubs.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am a grant manager and adjunct assistant professor at The Catholic University of America