Health Sciences and Technology Academy, the one-of-a-kind mentoring program that helps participating high school students enter and succeed in college and specifically in health and STEM majors, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
HSTA marshals the efforts of hundreds of mentors, teachers, community members, higher-education faculty and staff to help the HSTA participants successfully face social and financial challenges and prepare academically for college. The program also
increases the number of African American and other underrepresented students in West Virginia, who pursue degrees in health sciences/STEM majors, thereby increasing the number of health practitioners and advocates in the medically underserved communities of West Virginia.
A Joint Governing Board consisting of more than 50 percent volunteers from the communities it serves, governs HSTA in 26 of West Virginia’s 55 counties.
Sandra Pope, JGB co-chair, recognizes the great accomplishments of HSTA and sees a bright future for the program.
“Special thanks to the hundreds of volunteers and partners who provide essential support to HSTA through their untiring dedication, immeasurable leadership and devoted commitment to our students,” Pope said. “Our success has, and always will, rest on the shoulders of these selfless individuals.”
HSTA is making a difference in the lives of African American and underrepresented students and making a positive impact in our state. While West Virginia, statewide, may lag behind our border states in the number of STEM graduates, HSTA is proud to say that 61 percent of our college graduates receive a STEM degree, and most of those continue to live and work in West Virginia, she said.
“We are excited about our future plans for HSTA and for the initiatives we believe will increase our numbers and play a major role in improving health in our West Virginia communities,” Pope concluded.
This past month, more than 400 HSTA students from around the state celebrated the anniversary during summer camp at West Virginia State University, Marshall University, Glenville State College, WVU Potomac State College and West Virginia University. HSTA rising juniors and seniors attended West Virginia University for their summer camp immersion experience.
Juniors participated in a biomedical camp with the assistance of WVU Health Sciences faculty, 4H Extension Leaders, Eberly College faculty and graduate students, as well as College of Business and Economics. Seniors attended a three-week camp where they completed a statistical and service-learning course for college credit.