The BTE- Bound Brook program sought to help at-risk students become successful in school and later in life. In particulate the program wanted to help students understand the importance of choosing a career path that offers a secure future, such as healthcare.
Through the BTE program students became aware of the vast choices in the healthcare field and were encouraged to pursue these fields through several enrichment opportunities offered by Ethicon, Somerset Medical Center and Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC).
In the school year 2006-2007, the BTE program piloted a semester-long career development course for all 9th grade students enrolled in Bound Brook High School. To expose students to careers in the healthcare industry, Ethicon, Somerset Medical Center, and RVCC offered two Healthcare Career Fairs, enabling all freshman to interact with scientists and other professionals and engage in hands-on experiences that showcase specific healthcare careers.
In year 2 (school year 2007-2008), 20 high school students interested in pursuing a healthcare career were selected to participate in an after-school Pathways to Health Careers program. Through weekly workshops, students recieved academic tutoring from RVCC students, engaged in science enrichment activities, and worked with a mentor from Ethicon and/or Somerset Medical Center. Students also participated in site visits and job shadowing experiences for "real world" exposure to difference career opportunities.
In years 3 and 4, high school teachers and guidance counselors participated in a series of professional development career awareness workshops at Ethicon and Somerset Medical Center, providing information on different careers in the healthcare industry. The high school science teachers also met with the RVCC science faculty to discuss how high school students can better prepare for college and succeed in college-level science courses.
