Contacting Those Who Teach Another first and continuing "order af business" for the Health Careers Program was enlisting the active support of area colleges, universities, technical and business schools, hospitals and other teaching facilities. Thirty-two institutions were visited. Where applicable, we asked them to accept more qualified black students and to establish reparative educational programs to help those who need such assistance to qualify for entrance into regular academic or training programs. Ten of the institutions visited pledged their cooperation in accepting more black students, particularly those identified by the Program. Four schools reserved space for potential candidates in their September 1969 classes. Three began working to establish reparative educational programs. Three schools of nursing identified persons working below their potential and accepted them into their professional nursing programs. All of the institutions visited pledged their cooperation in one or more of the following ways: 1. Cooperative efforts to identify and provide financial aid for minority students who need such aid; II. Participation in career incentive programs, III. Identification and provision of resource personnel; IV. Organization and coordination of health careers clubs and related activities; V. Encouragement of student involvement in the Junior Advisory Board, Health Careers Clubs, as well as participation in the "buddy system"; VI. Encouragement of faculty participation in the HCP program, and VII. Cooperative recruitment efforts and referral of students. Liaison with these institutions continues on a day-to-day basis. Reception after dedication ceremonies, December 12, 1969 Contacting Those Who Give Another of the basic goals of the Program is to identify all possible sources of funds for students seeking financial aid. Drug and supply companies, veterans' and civic organizations, fraternal groups and many other organizations have been contacted. This basic research has enabled us to answer all inquiries as rapidly and accurately as possible, even in several instances where applicants have been outside the Program's jurisdiction. One of the great disappointments in this work resulted when the majority of the drug companies responding to our inquiries expressed their regrets that no such funds were available, or noted that monies already were allocated to specific schools or students for specific purposes. Development of the listing of possible sources for student assistance is a day-to-day assignment for the Program's staff, one that is buoyed by continued optimism. By the end of the first year, the Program had obtained $21,027.50 from other sources, which it distributed in financial aid. The Health Careers Center Although much of the original groundwork for the Program was carried out from the offices of the National Medical Association Foundation, it was planned from the outset that, to do the job required, the Health Careers Program would need its own facility. But the move was to be made only after planning and organization were complete. Originally, it was intended that the Program's operations would be located in the Model Cities Area of the Nation's Capital. But after an exhaustive search and inspection of a dozen different locations, it was agreed that none could do the job. Finally, a site at 1013 12th Street, Northwest, was decided upon not in the Model Cities area, but readily accessible for all involved in the Program. It now contains, among other things, a library, an audio-visual room, and space enough to allow for the healthy exchange of ideas and information among many participants. The move into the new location was made in mid-August, and the Health Careers Center was officially dedicated December 12, 1969, in honor of the Ernest and Mary Hayward Weir Foundation. Above: Advisory Board Honorary Chairman Benetta Bullock Junior Advisory Board One of the unique features of the Health Careers Program is its Junior Advisory Board, made up entirely of students from District of Columbia schools, Guidance comes from representatives of the Advisory Board. Likewise, Junior Advisory Board members have representation on the Advisory Board. The purpose of the Junior Advisory Board is obvious to let the Health Careers Program know what the youth of the community are thinking, what they are looking for, and what they want. By the same token, however, active participation in the Program informs the youth of the many problems which are involved in our day-to-day activities. In this manner, we all deal with reality things as they are, not as we wish they were. It also must be said that by giving the students a chance to assume responsibilities, we demonstrate the fact that we are sincere in our efforts to work with them, not just for them. The dedicated manner in which they have assumed their responsibilities demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that the students are willing to work for the future they want to see. The Junior Advisory Board meets on the third Friday of each month. Projects discussed have included fund-raising activities, means of encouraging development of schoolbased Health Careers Clubs, and many other items designed to assist the Program in attracting more interested students, while also providing the activities and information to make that interest worthwhile. Health Careers Days And Clubs How the Health Careers Program works on a general basis can be epitomized by the workings of Health Careers Days and Health Careers Clubs, whose success has depended on the cooperative and coordinated efforts of many Program staff, students, teachers, counselors, school principals, medical and dental students and others actively studying for a health career, physicians and other health practitioners, suppliers of audio-visual aids and health career materials, and others. Their reward - and there can be none greater - has been the dramatic interest and enthusiasm expressed and demonstrated by all the students involved those working to make the Program a success, and those whom the Program intends to reach. One of the first Health Careers Days was held at Chamberlain Vocational High School during its special summer program for inner city boys and girls aged 12-15. The objective of the Day was to enhance the aspirational levels of participants by providing early exposure to health careers. Activities included a "hands-on" session, involving participants' manipulation of simple equipment, handling exposed X-ray film, and examining equipment models. Filmstrips were shown, and questionand-answer sessions were held for small groups, as well as for individuals. Follow-up was carried out by the teachers and counse lors involved in the special summer program. During the regular school year, many Health Careers Days were held at junior and senior high schools throughout the District. Typical was one held at Coolidge Senior High School to disseminate health career information and to motivate students to a health-related career. Students were given information on scholarships, entrance requirements and other information pertinent to higher education. Audio-visual and manipulative teaching aids were used, and special "career stations" were manned by community health practitioners. As an example of the students eagerness, a Health Careers Club the first of its kind in the Washington area - was formed at Sousa Junior High School. With the assistance of Program staff, students have conducted a survey to determine which community re source persons would be most helpful to them in deciding on a career and in following it up. In another meeting, students of Howard University's College of Medicine served as panelists in a thorough question-and-answer session. These activities, and others like them, are increasing every day. Their effectiveness depends on cooperation and coordination. Their success is absolutely mandatory if the nation is to develop the health manpower it so desperately needs. |