Maybe they want to determine what planet we should next explore, develop sustainable technology or perhaps embark on the next medical breakthrough. Then again, about 175 San Fernando Valley middle and high school students may discover that a career in nanotechnology or developing artificial limbs is better suited for them.
Cal State Northridges Educational Talent Search program will give the students an opportunity to explore all these possibilities and more at the universitys Math, Science and Health Career Day scheduled on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the University Student Union on the east side of the campus off Zelzah Street.
Among those schools sending students are San Fernando, Sun Valley, Olive Vista and Pacoima middle schools as well as Grant and Francis Polytechnic high schools. The students are all participants of Educational Talent Search, a federally funded TRIO program that operates out of CSUNs Student Outreach and Recruitment Services and reaches about 15 middle and high schools throughout the Valley. Educational Talent Search is designed to encourage underrepresented first-generation and low-income young people to graduate from high school and go to college.
Statistics indicate that minorities and women have traditionally been underrepresented in the fields of science, math and engineering, said program director Niki Dixon. The intent of our program is to address this shortage by creating a learning environment that promotes student access to the areas of health, science, math and engineering.
The day will start with a presentation from Dr. Linda Chassiakos, director of CSUNs Klotz Student Health Center, followed by visits to the health center to meet with allied health and health care professionals, the universitys acclaimed Center of Achievement and Brown Center for Adaptive Aquatic Therapy, the research greenhouses in CSUNs Botanic Garden and the robotics, fish and chemistry labs as well as other laboratories and research facilities on campus.
Throughout the day, the students will have a chance to work with CSUN faculty and students and take part in hands-on, interactive labs in CSUNs College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Health and Human Development and College of Science and Mathematics.
The day is funded in part by an Office of Statewide Health Planning and DevelopmentHealth Careers Training Program (HCTP) mini-grant. Educational Talent Search students participating in this program are exposed to a wide array of health career options through a series of health career workshops at designated schools, attend health fairs and career days and have an opportunity to meet a variety of health professionals, faculty and university students.
For more information about Cal State Northridges Educational Talent Search program, call Niki Dixon at (818) 677-4550.