There was a time when Radricka Olden could not imagine watching a cadaver being medically probed on an examination table. But that was before the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) student signed up for the Saint Louis University Scholars Program and learned of the research significance behind such work.
Olden was one of four UBMS (East St. Louis, Cahokia and Madison high schools-ECM) students who participated in SLU Scholars Program, according to UBMS ECM Program Director Elke Harris McIntosh.
SLU Medical School’s Diversity and Student Affairs Office hosted the program, which ran from June 4-22. Other students participating included Dasha Darty, Ti'Aja Fairlee and Jarryd Hardaway.
“The purpose of the program was to encourage high school students from diverse and underrepresented groups to explore careers in the medical field,” said Harris McIntosh. “Students engaged with medical professionals and first-year medical students. They completed a research paper, received assistance with ACT Test Prep and wrote personal statements for college entry applications.”
“Being a part of the Summer Scholars Program was an eye-opening experience,” said Fairlee. “I got to practice drawing blood, place trachea’s in the assimilation lab and take part in a cadaver observation laboratory.”
Hardaway agreed with Fairlee. “The program exceeded my expectations,” he said. “We worked closely with first-year medical students. They told us about their experiences, and how they made it into medical school. We also did ACT Prep. Now, I am excited to re-take my ACT, because I learned new skills that will help me raise my first score.”
Darty was excited about the relationships she established at SLU’s Medical School. “I received the director’s email, and he told me to keep in touch with him when I was ready to apply for school,” she said. “This will be an important connection to have. I have always wanted to go into the medical field, and this program definitely helped boost my confidence.”
The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession.
With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals - from pre-school through adult - in the Metro East. Head Start/Early Head Start and a charter high school are among the programs that offer the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. The Center also assigns first priority to encouraging, supporting and improving the educational success of the residents of East St. Louis and surrounding urban communities. The Center provides comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts.
Photo:
SIUE East St. Louis Center Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) ECM students explored Saint Louis University’s edible forest of cherries, grapes, apples and more during SLU’s Scholars Program. Students talked with nutritionists and doctors about healthy eating. Pictured from left to right are: Radricka Olden, Ti'Aja Fairlee, Jarryd Hardaway and Dasha Darty.