CHS hosts YMCA Black Achievers Healthcare cluster

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

In late January, the YMCA Black Achievers Healthcare cluster visited the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences. Faculty and current CHS students shared information about their available programs in healthcare and STEM.

The YMCA Black Achievers is a college and career readiness program that provides equitable access, opportunities and support to ensure success after high school for historical marginalized youth. Students, known as “Achievers,” are exposed to academic support, career exploration, mentoring and social/emotional well-being programs. Achievers are supported by YMCA staff, volunteers and Adult Achievers as they develop mind, body, and spirit.

In their visit to CHS, the Achievers experienced hands-on presentations and demonstrations in fields like laboratory science, speech language pathology, and they explored careers like becoming a physician assistant or healthcare administrator, just to name a few.

"We wanted to get the word out about our profession to high school students possibly interested in pursuing healthcare careers," said Chris Swartz, PhD, MLS, (ASCP)CM, and assistant professor in Medical Laboratory Science and the Rehabilitation and Health Sciences PhD program. "It's always a lot of fun to do engaging lab activities with students, and I hope that the students now know a little bit more about the role that medical laboratory professionals play behind the scenes."

"We want to educate students about the health professions," said Chad Guilliams, MEd., MLS (ASCP), and lecturer in Medical Laboratory Science. "We want to encourage and support prospective young adults interested in the healthcare profession."