NorthwestIllinoisAreaHealthEducationCenter is excited to announce the 2012 Health Career Exploration Camp. The camp will be held from 8:30 – 5:00 on August 2, 2012 at SaukValleyCommunity College.  The camp is open to high school students entering grades 9-12 in the 2012–2013 school year.  Applications are available online at: http://ahec.rockford.uic.edu/nwilahec/ under the Students K-12 Career Camps section.  Submit applications by July 27, 2012. For questions call Mary Devine at 815-285-7858 or email [email protected].

 The 2012 AHEC Health Career Exploration Camp is designed to expose high school students to the variety of careers that exist in the healthcare field.  Opportunities exist with varying degrees of education from certificate programs to doctorate level and beyond but the all require a high school education.  The goal of this program is to have students develop an interest in health careers and to recognize the necessity of high school graduation as a step to reach their goals.

 In a one day experience students will participate in three sessions: personal awareness, career exploration, and college information.  In the personal awareness portion students will participate in an interactive, decision-making workshop.  During career exploration guest speakers will share information about their careers and education. Students will receive information from college admissions counselors and finally parents will join the students for a financial aid presentation including a chance to receive a $500 college scholarship.

 Students will gain the ability to set goals for their education and career along with envisioning a successful future.  Through speaking with professionals and current health professions students teens will realize that their educational and career goals are attainable.  Students will also be given the opportunity to connect with resources for college admission and financial aid to assist them in the attainment of their goals.