OGDEN -- The school year didn't end until Friday for about 30 students from Bonneville, Roy, Ogden and Ben Lomond high schools.
The students have been participating in the Health Careers Opportunity Program through Weber State University and just graduated from the 28-day course Friday night.
Students attended classes, workshops and numerous field trips for the past five weeks every day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More than 50 students applied for the program which officially got started with the federal HCOP grant last fall. More than 220 students from the four high schools participated in the program that went on during the school year with monthly meetings and different field trips and visits from WSU professors and counselors, said Kevin Karician, HCOP academic counselor.
One perk to the program is that students receive a weekly stipend for taking part.
"It is one of the motivators of the program because students don't have time to do a part-time job," said Kristy Jones, health careers recruiter for WSU. Students earn up to $40 per day.
That was important to Ben Lomond junior Felicia Baca, who is saving for college. She plans to be a doctor, most likely a pediatrician.
The money wasn't her main motivating factor to join. After she watched Jones dissect a cow's heart in her health class at school she knew the program was for her.
"It has been really great and it helps me stay focused on school," Baca said. Before starting the summer program, she was set on being a heart doctor, but because of some experiences where she has been able to work with children, she has changed her mind and wants to be a pediatrician.
Audrey Detrick has loved learning about all the different medical professions out there. The 16-year-old junior plans to work in the veterinary field somehow, but knows she has other options if that doesn't work out. She and Baca believe they have learned so much this summer and have really liked the help they have received with ACT prep. There have been specific classes just to prep for the college entrance test.
"Besides, it hasn't been exactly like school. We have had so many different learning experiences," Detrick said.
Jones has overseen the program this year after getting a three-year grant. She has recruited high school teachers and professors to work with the kids and she said they have enjoyed it as much as the students.
Jones likes watching how the students see all the doors that can be opened for them with hard work. Students take classes in math, English, science, health sciences, college success and cultural competency.
Karician has been very impressed with the high caliber of students who participated this year. They tried to select students from all walks of life including culture, economic background and education and he thinks that has made for a great group.
Among the field trip destinations were the Utah State University cadaver lab and the University of Utah college of pharmacy, local hospitals and Antelope Island to take water samples to test for bacteria.
Service projects have also been included in the coursework. That part of it was one of Baca's favorite things.
"I loved working with the little tiny kids," she said with a smile.
Ben Lomond senior Mike Smale was one of only four boys in the program and admits he wanted to do it primarily for the money but now knows he has come away with much more. "It's not like it's boring at all. Now I know there are so many things I can do," Smale said. He also looks forward to start his senior year with some new study habits and study skills. "I am definitely more prepared."
To find out more about the program and how to apply, go to www.weber.edu/hcop or call Karician at 801-626-8124.
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