Eastern Panhandle Health Sciences Technology Academy HSTA What

Eastern Panhandle Health Sciences & Technology Academy ( HSTA)

What is HSTA? n n n HSTA is a community and college based program for high school students in the state of West Virginia. Help increase the number of under-represented students in West Virginia who pursue degrees in Health Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majors. Governed locally by the volunteer, Eastern Panhandle Local Governing Board (LGB).

Community based component of HSTA: HSTA Club n n n n n Each club is lead by a trained science or math teacher. Each club has a total of 10 students in grade 9 – 12. 6 clubs in local high schools. Berkeley Springs High School Hedgesville High School Jefferson High School Martinsburg High School Musselman High School Washington High School

Since 1994 14 Regions / 26 counties Eastern Panhandle since 2002

Why was HSTA developed n Because of the projected shortage of health professionals in the state of West Virginia, such as doctors, nurses, forensic pathologists, dental hygienist, xray technicians, and physical therapists.

What is HSTA’s ultimate goal? Increase number of students going to college from rural areas. n Increase the number of students who pursue a health-related career n Increase the number of students who successfully complete college n

HSTA helps prepare students for college by… Introducing students to college life n Enhancing science/math skills n Enhancing public speaking skills n Expanding knowledge and pride in WV through field trips n

Meetings are IMPORTANT! Students must attend 70% of meetings n Will work on Projects! n Hands-on Activities n Guest Speakers n

Spring Science Each year the students must develop and Symposium present a science project at the symposium in the spring year.

Each Region has… n Volunteer Local Governing Board Eastern Panhandle: Joyce Hobbs, Pauline Mejia, Taylor Perry, Solomon Wright, Stephanie Nelson, George Rutherford, Tina Burns, Debbie Shaw, Solomon Wright One teacher per 10 students (Clubs) n Six Clubs at local high Schools: Berkeley n Springs, Hedgesville, Jefferson, Martinsburg, Musselman, & Washington.

What is required of HSTA students during the 4 -years of High School? n n n Maintain at least a 2. 5 GPA in 9 th grade and 3. 0 GPA in grades 10 th – 12 th Attend at least 70% of the HSTA meetings Complete and present a yearly science Project Attend at least 2 summer camps while in HS 75 hours of Community service before graduation Excellent behavior

HSTA Benefits Students by… • Preparing students for success in college • If student successfully completes 9 -12 th grades in the HSTA program they qualify for tuition waivers to West Virginia public colleges & universities (not private schools or vocational schools) • This includes Medical School, Dental School and many other master’s degree and doctoral programs.

n n HSTA Outcome State Wide 2, 049 Graduates College Going Rate 99%. 59% of WV HS graduate go on to college 90% graduate with 4 year degree or better. 1 of 3 WV HS graduates drop out after the first year of college. 51% of students are in a health care or STEM field of study in college. 681 Bachelors Degree * 98 Masters Degree * 59 Associate Degrees 48 terminal degrees including: 12 MD, 2 DO, 1 DDS, 11 Pharm. D, 2 Au. D, 1 Psych, 7 PT, 6 JD, 1 OD

Eastern Panhandle HSTA Outcomes n 99% of our students are successful n n 99% of students live and work in WV 64% of students are in a Health Science Field Rebecca Furby, a 2008 Jefferson High School & HSTA graduate is a 3 rd year medical students at West Virginia University Eastern Division.

Rebecca Furby n n A Jefferson High School alumni, graduating in 2008 and was involved with HSTA all four years of high school as well as the Jefferson County Youth NAACP. Attended the HCOP (health careers opportunity program) the summer prior to college. Undergraduate studies at Shepherd University and graduated with a BS in Biochemistry with a chemistry minor in 2012. I was involved with the Med-STEP program for 2 years along with being an active member and president of Sigma Pi Epsilon, chemistry fraternity, and Beta, biology fraternity. Currently a 3 rd year medical student attending WVU School of Medicine where she loves being involved with MUSHROOM and Stepping Stones, student ran homeless organizations, as well as Christian Medical Dental Association, and the Wilderness Club.

Who Should Apply n n n 8 th grade Students who are on Honor Roll Students who have a strong interest in Math & Science, and have did good in those areas academically. Have an interest in Health Science or Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) fields. Have a good attendance record in school No disciplinary issues

How to Apply n n n Fill out an application. Copy of report card for the previous semester. Include required paperwork if low income is marked on the application. Recommended: Letters of recommendations, previous transcripts, WESTTEST scores and others items that may be helpful to the LGB. Application Deadline of March 9, 2015

Admissions Criteria The four criteria for admissions are as follows. n n African-American * Low Income (criteria on application) 1 st Generation college student Reside in rural area All student are welcome to apply and do not need to meet all admissions criteria to be considered for the program. *May be changed to “Minority Students Underrepresented in STEM Fields (Native. American, African-American, Hispanic-American, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Island” before this years application deadline.

Additional Information n Applications middle school guidance counselors, Field Site Coordinator, or by downloading at www. wv-hsta. org Students are limited to one application for the program, and it must be through the school which serves as their home high school district. If a student transfer to a different school after applying to the program they must submit a written Request of Transfer to the Local Governing Board. Students must participate in the HSTA at the same school they attend unless prior written approval is granted by the Local Governing Board

HSTA vs. Promise • Students apply doing 8 th grade. • Students apply doing 12 th grade. • Students with an interest in Health Science or (STEM) major. • No limit on majors as long as offered at a WV approved college or University. • Must maintain 2. 5/3. 0 GPA while in High School. • Must have a cumulative 3. 0 GPA in their core & overall courses. • Renewable while working on bachelors degree. • Works for undergraduate degrees at a WV approved school as well as health science approved masters & professional school programs in WV. • Apply for Promise doing senior year. If qualified for Promise, it will be applied before HSTA doing bachelors degree. • Works for undergraduate degree only, at a WV approved college or University.

H S T A Eastern Panhandle Field Site Coordinator David W. Shanton Dwshanton@hsc. wvu. edu (304) 596 -6317 www. wv-hsta. org