STEM Pathfinder Program 

The 2023 STEM Pathfinder Application will be open from February 6th – April 7th 2023.  To start your application, visit: https://ochsner.smapply.org/

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 2023, STEM Pathfinder expanded 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?

(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.

STEM Pathfinder - New Orleans STEM Pathfinder - Baton Rouge STEM Pathfinder - North Louisiana YouthForce NOLA STAR Summer Scholars Program Junior Volunteer Program