In an effort to promote careers in the healthcare industry, Centocor Biologics in partnership with the East Central Missouri AHEC, St. Louis University and McClure South-Berkeley (MSB) High School provide a variety of academic enrichment and applied learning opportunities to at-risk youth.
Following initial presentations to the entire MSB freshman class by Centocor Biologics volunteers, the partners launched “Camp Centocor”—a five-day, annual summer experience that entailed a Johnson & Johnson Credo workshop, team-building, company tours, hands-on science labs, math/science enrichment activities, college visits and tours, and college/financial-aid application assistance.
During the school year, students participate in an after-school BTE club: “BTEP.” Meeting monthly, BTEP activities include presentations by health care professionals on various careers and community service activities relating to health careers. Students record and showcase all BTE activities in a Missouri Connections Portfolio, which also includes an individual career plan and a personal plan of study.
Impact
25 students
At baseline, 70.4 percent of students had a 3.0 or higher combined math and science GPA; this rose to 81.5 percent one semester into BTE.
Students certified in adult, infant and child CPR and First Aid.
Centocor Biologics, LLC mentors also report benefits, including leadership development and broadened community involvement.
