Interested in STEM careers but not sure where to START? There’s so much to explore! The START Program puts STEM within reach via in-person classroom talks on a variety of STEM topics and career paths. The START Program provides outreach to middle and high school classes, via in-person and virtual STEM talks and tours. In addition to outreach, the START Apprentice Program pairs high school Juniors and Seniors with UK student mentors, to participate in authentic research experiences at the University of Kentucky and beyond. START conducts certified, credentialed mentor training opportunities for UK students and provides sponsorship to Fayette County teachers enrolling in the UK STEM Teaching Workshop, an opportunity for teachers to access STEM instructional resources, network within the STEM community, and attend sessions led by UK faculty experts in STEM. To learn more, click here.

 

The Markey Cancer Center (MCC) annually operates the MCC Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) Program.
First established in 2016, the program offers Appalachian Kentucky high school and undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Kentucky the opportunity to gain cancer research, clinical, outreach and education experiences that will enrich their interest in pursuing a cancer-focused career. Click here to learn more. 

 

Area Health Education Center: Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) across the state provide programming with the goal of increasing the number of students at all levels that successfully pursue educational programs and careers in health professions. This programming provides a series of experiences and activities for students interested in pursuing a health career, from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Most of these activities are available and open to any student in Kentucky interested in a health career. Questions about region specific programming can be directed to the health career coordinator serving your region of the state. Find out who your health career coordinator is here.

The UK AHEC offers two residential summer camps for current high school students.  The Summer Enrichment Program Camp is open to Kentucky-resident rising high school juniors (current sophomores) who attend a school in Kentucky.  The Health Researchers Youth Academy Camp is open to Kentucky-resident rising high school seniors (current juniors) who attend a school in Kentucky.  Applications are reviewed by a committee of AHEC personnel and partners from the UK campus and around the state.  Based on various criteria (letter of recommendation, personal statements, transcript, etc.), invitations are extended to students selected to attend.