A full camp of 75 high school students attended the 6th annual scrubs camp at Augsburg College last week. The camp offers students a week of intensive, hands-on sessions, paving visions for attending college and pursuing health care careers.
Sixty students registered to attend the sister camp at St. Paul college July 20-23.
Fairview and Health Partners provide critical program and scholarship support.
Fairview’s System Director of Talent Acquisition Laura Beeth has been involved with Scrubs Camps since the beginning.
“It is gratifying to see the commitment of these students,” she noted. “It really is inspiring to see our future workforce here.”
“It certainly is gratifying to see the camps so successful,” commented Regions Hospital CEO Megan Remark.
“For healthcare employers, this is about growing a local workforce that more closely mirrors our patients.”
Families and friends of the 75 campers gathered with them in Augsburg’s Foss Chapel on July 10 for a celebration ceremony. When a much-anticipated video documenting the week’s activities hit a technical projection glitch, the campers stepped into the breech without skipping a beat.
Simone Akinde
“I came here last week a shy person, not knowing many of you and not knowing what was in store for me,” said Hafsa Hassan. “Now, at the end of just one week, you are my friends, and I am excited about college and a job in healthcare.”
Hafsa Hassan
HealthForce MN Director and camp principal Valerie DeFor asked campers to name the highlight of the week. Those expecting typical teenage comments were in for a surprise. “Pharmacology!” “Sim Bus!” “Aging Suits!” “Animal Assisted Therapy!” Given an invitation, the scrubs campers accepted, and made it clear that the most valuable highlight for them was right on mission – inspiration to pursue a healthcare career, and practical experience to see that it is possible.
Kavya Devgun
Also pictured: Camp Counselor Elaine Dillard, HealthForce MN Director Valerie DeFor, and Augsburg College Provost Karen Kaivola.