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

Students from North Bend Elementary/Middle Schooland St. Ignatius Loyola Academywill 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 pathway to 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, senior vice president, Ascension Foundation. "An early interest in science propels students throughout high school, college and into medical and other health schools."

About Ascension Saint Agnes

For more than 150 years, Ascension Saint Agneshas provided personalized, compassionate care to all in the greater Baltimore area. We offer a full range of services through our hospital campus and 30 community locations, including primary, emergency, and advanced specialty care. Ascension Saint Agnes encompasses a 254-bed teaching hospital and Baltimore's first Catholic hospital, founded by the Daughters of Charity in 1862; an extensive network of primary and specialty physicians throughout Baltimore and Howard County; and centers with advanced medical imaging technologies. The Ascension Saint Agnes Foundationraises money to further meet the needs of the community. Ascension Saint Agnes provided more than $63 million in community benefit and uncompensated care in fiscal 2024, and is part of Ascension, one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the United States.

About Ascension Foundation

The Ascension Foundationis dedicated to addressing the non-medical needs that diminish health. We invest in solutions that create positive generational change, and envision a future where every person, family, and community can thrive. #GOALSis a program of the Ascension Foundation and Ascension Community Impact, part of our shared initiative to build a future healthcare workforce that includes all communities.

About Coppin State University

Coppin State University, a Historically Black University (HBCU) founded in 1900, in Baltimore, Maryland, serves a multicultural and multigenerational student population. Coppin State provides educational and experiential learning opportunities that foster leadership, social responsibility, civic and community engagement, cultural diversity, inclusivity, and economic development. Learn more at https://www.coppin.edu.

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