Ascension Saint Agnes and Coppin State University Inspire Baltimore Middle School Students to “Go Out and Love Science” (#GOALS) Through an Immersive Educational Event

More than 250 Baltimore middle school students will visit the Coppin State University Health Sciences campus on Wednesday, November 5, to Go Out and Love Science, or #GOALS, in collaboration with Ascension Saint Agnes and the Ascension Foundation.

Students from North Bend Elementary/Middle School and St. Ignatius Loyola Academy will attend the day-long #GOALS event, which is designed to inspire sixth, seventh and eighth grade students to consider potential future healthcare careers through hands-on activities and small-group interaction with a diverse group of medical students and professionals.

An early love for science is the pathwayto creating the next generation of doctors, scientists and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professionals. From suturing a wound to learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) through a "CPR dance party," middle school students at #GOALS will experience six interactive activities that show how science can open doors to meaningful healthcare careers.

"Through #GOALS, students who are just starting to think about their futures can explore who they could grow up to be if they study science today," said Beau Higginbotham, president and chief executive officer, Ascension Saint Agnes. "This is just one of our efforts to creatively unite with our community to advance healthcare in Baltimore and improve peoples' lives. As we face an ongoing shortage of healthcare workers in Maryland, we must lead initiatives that will engage people in caring for the communities we call home."

The participating middle school students will also interact with more than 100 volunteers from Ascension Saint Agnes, Coppin State University and the University of Maryland Medical School. Medical professionals and medical students will share their stories and answer questions about what it is like to pursue a healthcare career.

"We are honored to collaborate with Ascension Saint Agnes and the Ascension Foundation on #GOALS as it aligns with our rich history of inspiring students to achieve greatness in and out of the classroom," said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins. "With numerous accredited programs, our health sciences program provides students with the training necessary to enter the healthcare workforce or succeed in advanced study in medical or graduate school."

"We are proud to partner with Coppin State University on this initiative to introduce a passion for science to the next generation of healthcare professionals," said Robyn Brenza Kress, president, Ascension Foundation. "An early interest inscience propels students throughout high school, college and into medical and other health schools."