Giving
STEM Pathfinder Program
2022 Applications for STEM Pathfinder is now open.
Applications close on Thursday March 31 at 11:59 pm.
Mission Statement: STEM Pathfinder is a cost-free program that will encourage entry into the health sciences workforce pipeline 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: Launched in summer 2021 in New Orleans East and supported by the Ochsner Baptist team, STEM Pathfinder was developed as a 1-week summer program for high school 8th - 10th grade students. It is focused primarily on healthcare career exploration & interactive science education. Participant will learn about various healthcare career tracks through mentorship from Ochsner professionals. In addition to career chats and virtual tours of the facility, the program will incorporate hands-on learning opportunities. Students will conduct clinical skills training and have the chance to experiment with science laboratory equipment.
After attending the 2021 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.
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In 2022, STEM Pathfinder will expand into Baton Rouge and into North Louisiana. Reference program details below:
Application Process
What are the different parts of the Application?
(1) Online Student Application - completed by the student
- General Student Information
Please be prepared to provide the following: general demographic information, current school details, parent/guardian information. - Short Answer - You will be asked to respond to the following prompts:
- 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 are asked to develop a two- to five-minute video to support your application. The video should include 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?
- Describe a time you did a good job and were proud of your work.
(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. REMEMBER, it is the student's responsibility to make sure the recommendation is completed on time.
Download STEM Pathfinder - New Orleans Flyer
Program Dates:
- Session A: June 20-24 from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
- Session B: July 11-15 from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
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.
- For the New Orleans East Sessions: Must attend a school or live within one of the following zip codes: 70129, 70128, 70127, 70126
COVID - 19: Student and patient safety is a top priority. COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement to participate. For answers to frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and for information on how schedule an appointment, please visit https://www.ochsner.org/vaccineinfo.
Download STEM Pathfinder - Baton Rouge Flyer
Program Dates: July 18-22, 2022 from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Program Location: Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge
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.
- For the Baton Rouge Session: Must attend a school in East Baton Rouge Parish
COVID - 19: Student and patient safety is a top priority. COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement to participate. For answers to frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and for information on how schedule an appointment, please visit https://www.ochsner.org/vaccineinfo.
Download STEM Pathfinder - North Louisiana Flyer
Program Dates: July 11-15, 2022 from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Program Location: Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - Academic Medical Center
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.
- For the North Louisiana Session: Must attend a school in Caddo Parish
COVID - 19: Student and patient safety is a top priority. COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement to participate. For answers to frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and for information on how schedule an appointment, please visit https://www.ochsner.org/vaccineinfo.
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.
