Attention Central Pennsylvania students in 6th-11th grades! The American Heart Association and Penn State Health Children’s Hospital invite you to apply for a special STEM education opportunity.
As a science-based organization that invests heavily in STEM research, the American Heart Association sees a great need to invest in kids that want to pursue careers in STEM. By introducing students into these learnings at a young age, the American Heart Association hopes to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders that will be running research labs and creating life-saving technologies in the future, just like the researchers and health care professionals at Penn State Health.
A select group of students in grades 6-11 will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on STEM learning experience at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center this September. Just like the real STEM professionals, students will visit the hospital’s simulation center to learn and practice clinical skills and talk directly to working STEM professionals about their career path.
Students who are interested in applying for this STEM education opportunity must submit an application and essay of 500 words or fewer on the following topic:
When someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, there are three important steps to improve their chances of survival: 1) immediately start CPR, 2) alert emergency medical services (call 911) and 3) use an automated external defibrillator (AED). These steps helped save the life of Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the field. Now, Damar is working to promote CPR education and AED accessibility in schools to save even more lives for generations to come. Describe how you would implement a campaign in your school to spread Damar’s lifesaving message and educate your peers about the three steps that saved his life.
Submit essays via email by June 23, 2023 to teresa.devono@heart.org in a WORDDOC format.
Qualifying participants must be students located Central Pennsylvania in grades 6-11 and available to attend the STEM education event at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital on a date to be determined in September 2023. Penn State Health representatives will choose 12 students (two students per grade) to attend the STEM activity based on the essay and qualifications. Winners will be notified by Friday, August 4, 2023.
For more information, please contact Teresa DeVono, Regional Vice President of Development, School Engagement, American Heart Association, at teresa.devono@heart.org.
FY23 STEM Activity Invitation Letter
FY23 Penn State STEM Application
Read about last year’s STEM Education Experience: Central Pennsylvania students get a STEM education sneak peek