1. UNMC High School Alliance
A UNMC Health Sciences Enrichment Program
Information Exchange
March 17, 2017
Terri Gulick

2. How Did The HSA Begin? 2008: Concept 2009-2010: Planning
: First 32 students enrolled :
Student body gradually increased to 65
Three high school teachers added
24 high schools from 15 school districts now participate
2008 the concept was presented at a UNMC Big Ideas Retreat
were the planning years involving the community, the superintendents of schools, the Nebraska Department of Education and others
UNMC opened its doors for the first 32 High School Alliance students
Built upon the success of the first year by adding more schools (and students), another teacher, and more classes
Increased class size again and fine-tuned curriculum
Remained steady in class size but add a second year option
Added a third teacher, increased student body to 60, added more classes
Increased to 65 students plus 5 second year students, two more districts joined the program
24 different high schools from 15 different school districts participate

4. How Does The HSA Work? Application and interview process Attendance
Home high schools in morning
UNMC campus in afternoon (Monday-Friday) from August to May
Campus-wide support
>300 faculty and staff have assisted with the program during seven years of existence
Professional students as mentors
>200 medical, nursing, pharmacy, public health, allied health students have been mentors, led classroom lab or hands on activities
Strong Community Partners
The Sherwood Foundation
The Omaha Public Schools

6. What Do HSA Students Receive?
Meet and take classes from world-renowned faculty and researchers
UNMC faculty deliver 85-90% of content
Courses include genetics, anatomy, biomedical research, community health, infectious diseases, pathology, study of patient care, pharmacy, behavioral health
UNMC and Blackboard accounts, access to McGoogan Library, I.D. badge – same as professional students
Shadowing opportunities
High school elective science credit
A supportive network of peers and professionals in healthcare and health sciences

8. Is The HSA Program Successful?
96% - have gone on to college
77% - majoring in a health science related field
77% - stay in Nebraska for college careers
75 are attending or have graduated from UNL
75 are attending or have graduated from UNO
3 are attending or have graduated from UNK
Met our goal of 35-40% of participants qualify for free and reduced lunch and have the same college attendance rates as rest of attendees
Student expectations have been met based on their responses to program evaluations
self-confidence, stronger study habits, time management skills, prepared for college

10. Where Do We Go From Here?
Continue to provide new class opportunities which will involve more faculty and staff
The Biology and Prevention of Cancer
Replication of program in other school districts (several requests)
Freshman (9th grade) and sophomore (10th grade) science options
Creation of modules for science teachers to reach all Nebraska high school students

11. Questions?