The College of Health and Human Services at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo recently hosted a group of 49 Club members and staff from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan for ‘Immersion Day.’
The Immersion Day experience introduced youth and teens to healthcare careers and the opportunities that can be created with a college experience. Students learned about programs offered at Western Michigan University, such as nursing, public health, social work, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
“Events like this are an important part of our college efforts to connect with our community partners and build excitement around healthcare careers,” said WMU Interim Dean Dr. Alessander Santos.
The hands-on activities at Immersion Day gave Club members a chance to see and experience various healthcare professions. They were able to talk with university faculty and students, experience state-of-the-art simulations, and get current information on high-demand healthcare jobs.
“Our Club members’ knowledge of career options is limited by their lack of life experiences. They don’t know what they don’t know. Our goal at the Club is to open the door to possibilities our kids haven’t even dreamed of yet,” said Alloyd Blackmon, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan. “We want to foster that curiosity in our young people and partnerships like WMU’s Immersion Day are making that a reality. Building connections between their passion and possible future careers can be life-changing for our members.”
WMU’s Immersion Day was funded with a grant from the Frederick S. Upton Foundation, which highlights projects that support the community and foster collaborative relationships.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan or this project, contact Sherri Ulleg at 269.487.6690 or sulleg@bgcbh.org.
