LANCASTER, Pa. – HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is one of several local organizations making it possible for high school students to participate in formative, practical experiences that prepare them for a future in health care.
 
Through June 28, 2018, approximately 70 high school students are participating in the Lancaster County Health Care Careers Academy at the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. During an intensive two-week summer camp, students engage in practical lectures, demonstrations and hands-on learning. In addition to the summer camp, the academy has built-in touchpoints that occur throughout the academic year.
 
Julia Sensenig, associate professor of nursing at HACC’s Lancaster Campus, is one of several HACC faculty members leading sessions at this summer’s camp.
 
“The academy provides great opportunities for us as professors to share our love of learning with high school students. I have the chance to express my love of nursing and encourage the students to consider a nursing career. It is fun to think that some of these high school students may eventually be nursing students in my classroom at HACC!” Sensenig said.     
 
The academy debuted in 2017. Students begin the program as first-year students and continue through their senior year of high school. Each year, the cohorts progress through more hands-on activities, including brain dissections, emergency medicine, suturing and IV practice.       
 
The academy is made possible through a $750,000 grant from the BB&T Economic Growth Fund of the Lancaster Country Community Foundation. Additional partners include the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 and the Lancaster County STEM Alliance.