Upon returning home from school one day, my sister proudly told us that she had just received a scholarship from a well known Massachusetts institute. We were extremely proud of her and were very excited about this scholarship program she got selected for. Getting a scholarship is indeed a big deal and for someone of her age it was indeed the biggest deal.
She had enrolled in a youth scholarship program that provided interactive learning experience for children of diverse backgrounds. Tailored for the children of the staff, this program runs for six weeks from the start date. The students are asked to write essays about environment, health issues, diversity or any issue they feel is in conflict and needs to be resolved. As a result, they also provide a viable path for students looking to change their own futures.
Conducted on weekends, this program offers classes in CPR, First Aid, computer skills and nutrition and healthy eating. They also provide the students an exposure to the hospital settings such as the simulation lab, Pathology labs, Chemistry labs etcetera, so that they generate the interest in the students to pursue their career in healthcare. It is an enriching experience for them as through these programs they are exposed to the practical life and also develop confidence to decide on their career.
Also a part of the scholarship program, the staff members mentor these middle school students during their scholarship tenure in various facets of healthcare. Students develop self-confidence and are given the opportunity to understand the contributions that the institute makes towards the field of healthcare.
The importance of empowering minority children to create a future for themselves and living up to their potential so that they rise successfully and are promising in their respective careers is what is imbibed through the youth scholarship program. This experience helped my sister develop a sense of responsibility and courtesy of the program; she has decided to pursue her future career in nursing.
