The University of Missouri–Kansas City on Thursday said it's launching a program aimed at bringing more high school students into science, engineering, technology and math.
The university said its School of Nursing and Health Studies and its School of Computing and Engineering had received a five-year, $2.5 million dollar grant to fund the program, called KC HealthTracks.
Under the program, 40 students each year in under-resourced area high schools will get training and mentoring in summer programs fromUMKC faculty to learn about science- and technology-related fields. They will also get lab experience, science and math tutoring as well as ACT preparation help.
Ann Cary, dean of the UMKC School of Nursing and Health studies, said that KC HealthTracks would help fill gaps in the health care system.
“Developing and strengthening a pipeline of academically prepared high school students in biosciences is in the best interest of protecting the health of the public,” Cary said in a statement.
The program will involve eleven high schools: Center, Fort Osage, Grandview, Ruskin, Truman, William Chrisman, Van Horn, East, North Kansas City, Oak Park and Winnetonka.
Editor's note: KCUR is licensed by UMKC.
Alex Smith is a reporter for KCUR, a partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team.
