The Metagenomics Education Partnership, funded by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), seeks to build understanding of best practices contributing to student motivation and participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at the high school level. The program introduces teachers to innovative technology that uses a hands-on, cyber-learning approach to increase knowledge of bioinformatics and bioinformatics software. Participation in the program encourages teachers to incorporate bioinformatics studies into the classroom setting and provides ongoing support to students as they pursue STEM career plans. June of 2020 begins our first year of this new five-year program, which includes collaborations with the University of Buffalo, WNY Rural AHEC, Erie-Niagara AHEC, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeepers, and several school districts in our catchment area.
Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center (WNY R-AHEC), in partnership with Providers and Teens Communicating for Health, is a program formed with the belief that health care practices, programs, and policies should be developed WITH young people rather than just FOR them. For this reason, we work directly with teens to improve their health care quality and enhance their overall health and wellbeing. We want to make sure teen voices are included in the decisions that affect them.
Our team of Teen Educators work with other teens to make a change in their community. They provide a voice for teens and act as representatives at local events and conferences. They are also a reliable source for other youth because they work with health providers and are active educators.
For more information contact: Heidi Baker, call (585) 786-6275 or email hbaker@r-ahec.org
Why a career in healthcare? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), “Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. About 1.8 million openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to
replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.” If you can handle blood and other bodily fluids, or if you are not “that person”, there is a position for you.
Careers are categorized into different areas such as administration, imaging and patient care. Also, Allied Health Jobs (professionals that are not doctors, dentists, or nurses, but support healthcare providers) and STEM jobs. You can also find WNY Colleges, as well as other programs and resources that will help you attain the training you seek.
Contact WNY R-AHEC < Info@r-ahec.org > for more information about health careers.