J&J Local Partner

DePuy Synthes

Community Partner

  • Taunton Area School to Career, Inc. (TASC) – Coordinating Entity
  • Taunton High School
  • Bridgewater State University

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In September 2013, Johnson & Johnson in partnership with DePuy Synthes, Taunton Area School to Career, Inc. (TASC), Bridgewater State University (BSU) and Taunton High School launched a BTE program in the Taunton, Massachusetts community. Forty-five, tenth grade students attending Taunton High School enrolled in the Academic or Standard Level classes with a minimum of C in Science were selected to participate in the BTE program. They were exposed to the many professions and disciplines within DePuy Synthes Companies, visited local universities and colleges to become familiar with pathways of these careers, and engaged in curricula that involved cutting edge technology and real work applications. The three-year program entailed:
  • Teacher Externships. Four Taunton High School teachers participated in a five day externship experience at DePuy Synthes and learned how the STEM subjects translate to real life work activities. Teachers toured the facility, observed labs and trainings, learned about different careers, and produced two lesson plans based on their learning.
  • Tutor Network. Tutors were available to assist students in need of academic support each semester after school for 2 hours a week.
  • Career Coaching. Members of the DePuy Synthese Millennials Group were paired with BTE students. Coaches shared their own experiences as teens, as well as their educational and career path. Coaches also helped BTE students with college and career exploration; college application process – paying particular attention to those students who may need the most help: exploring career options; preparing Portfolio elements; and reflecting on the learning of BTE program experiences.   Over the three-years, BTE students formed strong and lasting personal relationships with their Career Coaches.
  • STEM Guest Speakers introduced BTE students to the Health- and STEM-related career fields through classroom visits that included intriguing interactive and experiential learning experiences
  • Field Trips, Tours and Lab Visits at DePuy Synthes and Morton Hospital, .
  • Summer Camp. Students were split each year between BSU and Morton Hospital and engaged in a total immersion camp – one focused on college life and the other on the health care industry. The camps provided hands on learning and exposure to a variety of careers; students' increased awareness and knowledge resulted in better and more informed career decisions.
  • Life Skills Seminars focused on key skills, like interviewing, communication, money management, and stress management, that are necessary to be successful in everyday life and the workplace.
  • SAT Prep. All BTE students received test-prep from Taunton High School staff and had access to online practice tests and a SAT prep course workshop at Bridgewater State University .
  • Dual Enrollment. BTE students had the option of enrolling in up to four college-level classes (one per semester) at BCCS at no cost in their junior and senior year.
  • College Readiness Workshops. BSU students presented topics such as: homework/study habits, time management, goal setting and achievement, communication skills, and relationship/conflict resolution skills, using team building skills.
  • College Visits and Seminars. BTE students and parents attended a College Coach Seminar offering insight into the college planning process, application guidelines, FAFSA and financial aid options. BTE students were exposed to several higher education options through participation in college nights, college fairs, college visits/tours, and "College For a Day" - experiencing life on a specific campus, talking with students, and attending classes. DePuy Synthes Career Coaches provided additional application support and guidance.
  • College Buddies – BSU Science Students met with groups of BTE students and provided insight into college.
  • Days of Caring.  Aligned with the J&J Credo, Career Coaches and students volunteered in community service activities.
  • BTE Portfolios. Students tracked, recorded, and reflected on their BTE experiences; portfolio entries included: career interest survey data/results; career research projects; college searches and information, other project work, etc.

Documents & Resources