Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Applications Open for Ochsner STAR Summer Scholars Program
NEW ORLEANS – Applications are now open for the Ochsner STAR (Science, Technology, Academic, Research) Summer Scholars Program, Ochsner Health’s legacy high school program created to increase student access to science and academic research in Louisiana. This year, the competitive Ochsner STAR program will celebrate its 16th annual summer session for qualifying high school juniors. The deadline to apply is Thursday, March 10, 2022.
STAR provides students, particularly those with limited means or access to STEM education, a cost-free opportunity to explore the world of healthcare. The rigorous hands-on summer program focuses on science, technology, academics and research. During a four-week summer course, STAR aims to engage and inspire students to pursue careers in science and medicine by exposing students to the most innovative aspects of modern healthcare and by challenging them to find their best personal fit in the healthcare workforce.
“At Ochsner Health, we know that equitable access to high-quality education and workforce training should be one of our greatest priorities – that is why we remain fully committed to our legacy STAR program,” said Allison Sharai, Assistant Vice President of Community Affairs and School Partnerships, Ochsner Health. “We are thrilled to be able to inspire and guide the next generation of future clinical professionals, researchers and leaders in healthcare.”
STAR’s curriculum offers hands-on learning and classroom seminars through hospital and clinic rotations. On average, STAR students explore over 60 departments and specialties, interact with more than 75 clinical and nonclinical employees, and receive over 160 hours of free healthcare and science education. Scholars participate in cutting-edge scientific experiments under the guidance of Ochsner scientists in laboratories and learn how to properly conduct and professionally present research.
To better prepare them for the workforce, students will learn leadership development and other important professional development skills from career development experts. These include presentation skills, resume writing and interview skills, teambuilding, and professionalism in the workplace. STAR’s comprehensive program also includes CPR certification for each participating student.
The program is competitive. In 2021,19 rising high school seniors were selected from a pool of more than 200 applicants.
Program Details:
- WHEN:
- June 6 – July 1, 2022 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- WHO:
- Applicant must be at least 16 years old by June 6, 2022.
- Applicant must be a current high school junior (11th grade).
- Louisiana residents will be given priority selection for the STAR Program.
- There is no minimum grade point average (GPA) or ACT/SAT score requirement.
- HOW:
- STAR applications should be completed online at www.ochsner.org/star/apply and are due by 11:59 p.m., Thursday, March 10, 2022.
- Applicants must complete and provide:
- The STAR Student Application
- A Copy of School Transcripts
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
Because safety is Ochsner’s top priority, COVID-19 vaccination is required to participate. For answers to frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and for information on how schedule an appointment, please visit www.ochsner.org/vaccineinfo. The 2022 Program is scheduled to take place at Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans, 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121. If circumstances require, the STAR Administration Team is ready to pivot location or to a virtual structure as needed.
STAR is supported by Ochsner Community & Public Affairs and through generous community donors. For more information on the Ochsner STAR Program, visit www.ochsner.org/star or to apply visit www.ochsner.org/star/apply.
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About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Ochsner Health is a not-for-profit committed to giving back to the communities it serves through preventative screenings, health and wellness resources and partnerships with innovative organizations that share our vision. Ochsner Health healed more than 900,000 people from across the globe in 2021, providing the latest medical breakthroughs and therapies, including digital medicine for chronic conditions and telehealth specialty services. Ochsner Health is a national leader, named both the top hospital and the top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. As Louisiana’s leading healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. Ochsner Health is innovating healthcare by investing in new technologies and research to make world-class care more accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner's team of more than 32,000 employees and 4,500 providers are working to reinvent the future of health and wellness in the region. To learn more about Ochsner Health, please visit www.ochsner.org. To transform your health, please visit www.ochsner.org/healthyyou.
