Program Benefits Students Interested in Health Care Careers
OGDEN, Utah – Thanks to a federally funded grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration and support from the Bamberger Foundation and Utah Medical Association Foundation, 30 high school students will prepare for careers in health care by attending the Health Careers Opportunities Program (HCOP) at Weber State University this summer.
The six-week program provides students with exposure to health professions and academic enrichment opportunities. Students participate in field trips, workshops, small group discussions and academic classes, as well as listen to weekly guest speakers. The project-based learning curriculum allows students to improve their grade point averages and become more competitive as they apply for college.
HCOP academic counselor Ron Cox said the program is important because the grants allow individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to be more competitive in the health and allied health professions. “A more diverse health workforce is needed to meet the needs of underserved populations,” he said. “The diverse population in Northern Utah presents a unique opportunity to give students of lower-income families the opportunity to better their lives and the community by being part of the solution to growing health care needs.”
Fifty-two students applied for the Health Careers Opportunities Program (HCOP) with written essays as well as recommendations from teachers or counselors. Participants will receive a stipend of $30.90 per day.
The program will run weekdays from June 19–July 28. On the last day, there will be a dinner with the chance for students to display the work they have done during the program.
- Jonathan McBride, office of Media Relations
(801) 626-7212 • jonathanmcbride@weber.edu - Contact:
Ron Cox, HCOP Academic Counselor
(801) 626-7284 • RonCox1@weber.eduKristy Jones, NUAHEC Director
(801) 626-8154 • kjones13@weber.edu