Students from RPS 205 high schools recently had the incredible opportunity to step into the real world of healthcare through job shadowing experiences with local professionals. These students are part of the Health Academy, which is designed for those interested in taking care of people, studying science, exploring laboratory work, learning about cells and DNA, medicine, human anatomy, and medical terminology.
The Health Academy offers three exciting pathways:
Biomedical/Lab Sciences
Health & Wellness
Nursing/Pre-Med
Students spent time learning alongside experts in these fields, getting a close-up look at the careers they may one day pursue. These real-world experiences help bring classroom lessons to life and show students how their interests can lead to rewarding careers.
A huge thank you to our community partners for hosting and mentoring our students:
UW Health Northern Illinois
Mercyhealth Javon Bea
OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center
Saint Anthony College of Nursing
Wesley Willows
Beloit Health Systems
Along the Path Counseling
Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic
These partnerships are part of the College & Career Academies of Rockford, which are small learning communities within each RPS 205 high school. The Academies connect students with local businesses and professionals, helping link schoolwork to the workplace. By focusing regular coursework within the context of the Academy's theme, students graduate better prepared for college, careers, and life beyond high school.
Thank you again to all our hosts for helping inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals!