The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is now accepting applications from K-12 students for the Pathways Academy program.
Pathways Academy is an educational and community engagement program focused on preparing low-income students for educational and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, math and health sciences (STEM-H) disciplines.
Academy programs are free of charge with funding support from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services. The comprehensive programs target students enrolled in Arkansas public schools in five pilot site areas including Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Springdale, Pine Bluff and Little Rock, with plans to expand statewide over the next four years.
The programs consist of four STEM-H academies: Junior STEM Academy (grades K-5); Senior STEM Academy (grades 6-8); Research Academic Mentoring Pathway for Underrepresented Populations (RAMP-UP) (grades 9-12); and Student Athlete STEM Academy (SASA) (grades 9-12). The pilot programs will be available in Hot Springs, Springdale, Pine Bluff and Little Rock.
In addition to STEM-H, the Junior and Senior STEM programs integrate concepts relating to mental health and wellness such as cyber-bullying and emotional intelligence. The pilot programs will be available in Hot Springs, Springdale, Pine Bluff and Little Rock.
RAMP-UP is a yearlong program designed for disadvantaged or underserved students who would not ordinarily have access to opportunities in the medical professions or other STEM careers. Formerly known as the Academy of Pre-Health Scholars, RAMP-UP facilitates an academic pipeline for students who have strong interests in health care professions. This program was created to ensure a smooth transition from secondary education to collegiate academics. The pilot program will be available in Jonesboro, Pine Bluff and Little Rock.
The SASA program is designed to facilitate collaborative efforts of medical professions and athletic scholars, allowing scholars who have strong interests in health care professions and athletics to be able to do both. The program is a springboard for athletic scholars who would not ordinarily have opportunities for growth and development to pursue careers in health care or other STEM fields. The pilot program will be available in Little Rock.
Applications for all Pathways Academy programs will be accepted through February, with selections taking place in March. The programs will have a soft launch in May, and summer intensive camps will take place in June.
For more information, please contact the Pathways Academy team at PathwaysAcademyTeam@uams.edu
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