Giving
Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Summer Programs
STEM Pathfinder Program
The 2023 STEM Pathfinder Application is now closed. Please email STEMPathfinder@ochsner.org with any questions.
Mission Statement
STEM Pathfinder is a cost-free program that will encourage entry into the health sciences workforce by introducing local high school students to a wide range of career paths. Throughout the program, Ochsner healthcare professionals from across many disciplines will provide mentorship to students, preparing them to make intentional career decisions.
Program Description
STEM Pathfinder is a one-week summer program for students in grades eight through 10 focused primarily on healthcare career exploration and interactive science education. Participants learn about various healthcare career tracks through mentorship from Ochsner professionals. In addition to career chats and virtual tours of the facility, the program incorporates hands-on learning opportunities. Students participate in clinical skills training and experiment with science laboratory equipment. Initially launch in New Orleans East in 2021, STEM Pathfinder expanded into Baton Rouge and into North Louisiana in 2023. Learn more about regional programs below.
After attending the STEM Pathfinder Program:
- 92% of students felt more confident in their ability to become a healthcare professional.
- 96% of students were more interested in pursuing a healthcare career.
- 96% of students felt more empowered to find out more information about becoming a healthcare professional.
Application Process
1. Online Student Application (completed by the student)
- General Student Information
- General demographic information
- Current school details
- Parent/guardian information.
- Short Answer
- What do you like to do in your spare time? Please tell us about some of your hobbies, extracurricular activities, after school clubs, etc.
- Tell us about a time you served your community.
- Who would you consider to be a role model, and why?
- School Transcript or Report Card (to be attached)
- You will be asked to upload a copy of your most recent school transcripts. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
- Video Diary Submission
- You will develop a two- to five-minute video including an introduction of who you are and any answer to any of the following prompts:
- Describe a time you did a good job and were proud of your work.
- What is your favorite book? Explain why it is your favorite and how it has impacted you.
- Describe a time you had a positive impact on someone.
- Why do you want to participate in this program?
- You will develop a two- to five-minute video including an introduction of who you are and any answer to any of the following prompts:
2. Letter of Recommendation
- A request will automatically be sent to your recommender after you complete the "Recommender Request" section of your application. You will need the recommender's name and email address.
- Be sure talk to your recommender before and after submitting their information to be sure that he/she has received the submission link. It is the student's responsibility to make sure the recommendation is completed on time.
Program Dates:
- July 17- July 21 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Program Location
Ochsner Baptist, 2700 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Eligibility
- Current High School students in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade
- Applicants must be at least 14 years old by the start of the program.
- Interest in health sciences
- There is no minimum grade point average (GPA) or ACT/SAT score.
- Must attend a school or live within one of the following zip codes: 70129, 70128, 70127, 70126
- COVID-19 vaccination
Program Dates:
- June 26 - June 30, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Application Dates:
- February 6 - April 7, 2023
Program Location: Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge - 17000 Medical Center Drive
Eligibility
- Current High School students in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade
- Applicants must be at least 14 years old by the start of the program.
- Interest in health sciences
- There is no minimum grade point average (GPA) or ACT/SAT score.
- Must attend a school in East Baton Rouge Parish
- COVID-19 Vaccination
Program Dates: July 10-14, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Application Dates: Feb 6 - April 7, 2023
Program Location: Ochsner LSU Kings Hwy Campus - 1541 Kings Hwy Shreveport, LA 71103
Eligibility
- Current High School students in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade
- Applicants must be at least 14 years old by the start of the program.
- Interest in health sciences
- There is no minimum grade point average (GPA) or ACT/SAT score.
- Must attend a school in Caddo Parish
- COVID-19 Vaccination
Program Dates: July 17-21, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Application Dates: Feb 6 - April 7, 2023
Program Location: St. Charles Parish Hospital managed by Ochsner Health Ochsner, 1057 Paul Maillard Rd., Luling, LA 70070
Eligibility
- Current High School students in 9th or 10th grade
- Applicants must be at least 14 years old by the start of the program.
- Interest in health sciences
- There is no minimum grade point average (GPA) or ACT/SAT score.
- Must attend a school in St. Charles Parish
- COVID-19 vaccination
YouthForce NOLA is an organization that facilitates business and education partnerships within the city, with the goal to prepare New Orleans public high school students for successful careers in high-demand fields. In the summer of 2019, Ochsner hosted 50 Orleans Parish students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Each student completed a 90 hour internship at an Ochsner facility.
The YouthForce Nola – Ochsner partnership is supported by Ochsner Workforce Development.
To learn more about YouthForce NOLA and how to apply, CLICK HERE.
Since 2005, the Ochsner STAR Program has provided high school students with the opportunity to explore the world of healthcare through hands-on learning and mentorship from over 125 Ochsner providers, employees, leaders, and medical students.
The STAR Program is a competitive program that specifically targets highly motivated students who have a strong interest in science and medicine.
Students are eligible to apply during their Junior year of high school. The STAR Application is made available online mid-January. To learn more about the STAR Program, curriculum, application process, and upcoming application deadlines, please refer to the "Ochsner STAR Program" page. www.ochsner.org/STAR
Each summer, students ages 14 - 17 are invited to apply to be a volunteer. The Volunteer Office begins accepting application for the summer in April. There are typically two summer sessions, each 4 weeks in length. For more information on the Junior Volunteer Program, please visit their site: https://www.ochsner.org/giving/volunteer/junior-volunteer-program.
In addition, Ochsner Education Outreach partners with and supports summer programming throughout the New Orleans area. Ochsner hosts high school level student internships to help students gain first-hand work experience in non-clinical and clinical areas.
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