Bryan Station High School and the University of Kentucky have partnered to provide students of diverse backgrounds with career exploration opportunities through guided support

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2021) – The University of Kentucky and the Medical Academy at the Academies of Bryan Station High School officially kicked off an exciting partnership in mid-November by inducting 25 students into the inaugural class of the UK Diversity Healthcare Program. 

This new partnership with The Academies of Bryan Station High School includes the UK College of Health Sciences, College of Dentistry, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, College of Public Health, Department of Neuroscience, and UK HealthCare. More than a year of planning spearheaded by a dedicated group of UK College of Health Sciences Student Ambassadors, administrator, and Bryan Station team members has gone into launching this program that will provide Bryan Station students with support, mentorships, and opportunities related to college and career enrichment experiences in the medical field.

The University has committed to increasing the number of UK Healthcare Scholars each year over four years to include 100 students from the Bryan Station Medical Academy in the program. 

“We are so excited to see the benefits that this program will provide our students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to have the career exposure, guidance, and mentorship related to their future interests,” said Bryan Station Academy Coach Heather Zoll. 

More than 70 freshman students applied to the program for the first year, with 25 being accepted. For their induction, these UK Healthcare scholars and their families were invited to participate in a ceremony and dinner to celebrate their participation in the program and show the full community commitment to their future success. 

“The Diversity Healthcare Program (DHP) program allows University of Kentucky healthcare students to share their love and passion for healthcare while motivating the UK Healthcare Scholars to pursue their dreams and support them in persevering when experiencing challenges,” said Randa Remer, PhD, College of Health Sciences Director of Admissions, Assistant Adjunct Professor Health and Clinical Sciences, and UK DHP Program Director. “For UK students, being mentors in the DHP supports their growth and understanding of people from diverse backgrounds. Ultimately, each UK healthcare student will be a better provider because they are more culturally aware and sensitive to the needs of their patients.” 

“We appreciate that the University of Kentucky is committed to providing so many resources to help support these students,” Zoll said. “The interaction and mentorship of UK College of Health Sciences Ambassadors and healthcare students and professionals will make a huge impact in the lives of our Bryan Station UK Healthcare scholars. It is already very clear that all parties involved are invested and committed to the long-term success of the students and this program.” 

The students in the program will meet at least twice monthly with healthcare professionals and UK students and faculty in a variety of programs to learn more about careers and participate in mentoring sessions.

“Dr. Remer’s Diversity Healthcare Program: A Guided Mentorship Experience is the inaugural effort, and I could not be more pleased with the progress that has been made in a very short period of time,” said Scott Lephart, PhD, and Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “This program is an opportunity for 25 high school students to begin their exploration into a healthcare career that will help to alleviate one of our region and state’s greatest needs … expanding the healthcare availability to our citizens, especially those from underrepresented cohorts in our communities.”

Contact:

Name: Heather Zoll Eppley
School/Company: Academies of Bryan Station High School
Phone: (859) 797-6352
Email: heather.eppley@fayette.kyschools.us

Related Links:

Program website: Diversity Healthcare Program: A Guided Healthcare Mentorship Experience