Academic Outreach is an integral, important aspect of Ochsner’s overall community outreach activities. Academic Outreach serves the community and maintains Ochsner’s position as a national academic leader by supporting educational development, providing unique academic resources, and connecting students and teachers with innovative academic opportunities. Below is a brief description of the various Academic Outreach Programs. You can read more about Academic Outreach here.
Field Trips and Job Shadows
The Ochsner Health System Field Trip and Job Shadow Programs are designed to help students reaffirm their career aspirations and explore the wealth of career opportunities within the world of healthcare. A Field Trip or Site Visit can take the form of a group site visit, an Ochsner campus tour, job shadowing or a speakers bureau visit. The program is intended to serve as an extension of the classroom learning environment and is based on both classroom curriculum and the goals and mission of Ochsner.
Apply for job shadowing or Request field trip information
STAR Program
The STAR Program is a five-week summer program that provides qualified high school students with a unique opportunity to conduct cutting-edge, inquiry-based scientific experiments under the guidance of Ochsner scientists in the setting of a student laboratory, the iLab. In addition to learning professional and life skills, students will acquire hands-on experience with sophisticated medical technologies and learn about the latest advancements in medicine and healthcare from Ochsner physicians, nurses and administrators.
Visit the STAR Program's Web site for more information.
iLab
Ochsner has developed a dedicated student/outreach laboratory as an additional resource or training laboratory for schools in our community. The iLab allows for the expansion of the STAR Program into a year-long curriculum. Schools can use the iLab as an extension of the resources they already offer, and science teachers can reserve it for practical learning.
Visit the iLab Web site to read more about the Ochsner iLab and current program offerings.
Girl Scout Discovery Days
Girl Scouts Discovery Days is a free Saturday program offered by Ochsner in conjunction with the Girl Scouts Louisiana-East. Girl Scouts in this program participate in experiments led by Ochsner employee volunteers throughout the system in order to earn one of their badges.
Read more about Discovery Days.
Medical Explorers Post
Medical Explorers Post is program for high school students with a special interest in science and healthcare professions. The program is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of Southeast Louisiana Council - Learning for Life and is comprised of high school students from several Orleans Parish high schools. The students attend monthly classes and participate in healthcare rotations, interactive science lectures and departmental tours of the hospital. Ochsner Baptist Medical Center serves as the base for the Medical Explorers Post.
Learn more about Medical Explorers Post and how you can get involved.
Future Physician Awards
For the past 22 years, Ochsner has granted Future Physician Awards to graduating high school seniors. Typically given during graduation or award ceremonies for graduating seniors, the award recognizes academic achievement, leadership and an interest in the science or medical field. In addition to recognition, each student also receives a monetary award.
View a list of Future Physician Award winners.
Jefferson Dollars for Scholars
Jefferson Dollars for Scholars aims to expand access to educational opportunities for Jefferson Parish Public School students through scholarships and academic support. Ochsner provides the funding for an average of 10 students per year to earn one of these coveted scholarships while also providing other academic opportunities throughout the Ochsner System.
See a listing of Ochsner scholarship winners and learn more about Jefferson Dollars for Scholars.
Health Education support
As an organization, Ochsner is able to assist schools by providing equipment and supplies that our facilities no longer use. As we buy the latest equipment for our patients, there is equipment available for use in schools for practical experience. Ochsner has provided the equipment to outfit the Health Science lab at Cohen High School in Orleans Parish and the Haynes Academy lab in Jefferson Parish. The health system has also assisted with equipment and supplies for the clinical teaching lab at Holy Cross College on the Westbank.
Read the latest news on Ochsner's efforts to support health education.
SCRUBS
SCRUBS is a week-long summer camp designed for high school students to explore a variety of allied health, nursing and non-clinical healthcare career opportunities. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about a potential career they might not otherwise experience. SCRUBS participants rotate throughout various departments at Ochsner Medical Center, including Radiology, Rehabilitation, Laboratory Sciences, Nursing, Respiratory, Pharmacy, Health Information Management and Surgery. During each rotation, students interact with Ochsner healthcare professionals, receive mentoring and career coaching, and participate in exciting “hands on” activities and procedures. Students leave every rotation with a strong understanding of each department’s functions, as well as the role and educational requirements for each team member within the unit. To further enhance their skill set, students also review basic interview and resume writing skills.
Learn more about SCRUBS
