Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is set to introduce its inaugural Health Professional Pathways Camp, which will take place from June 24 to 26 at the College of Health and Human Services. This event, organized in collaboration with Engage @ EMU, targets students from seventh to 10th grade, offering them a chance to explore career opportunities in the health and human services sector. The camp fee is set at $125 per participant, although need-based scholarships are available and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The healthcare industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employed over 17 million individuals in 2023, positioning it as the largest employment sector in the U.S. Despite this, there are growing concerns related to the aging workforce and population.

Sam Carter, communication and operations manager at Engage @ EMU, stated, "When young people think of health care, they often think of doctors or nurses. We hope that this camp allows students to explore avenues that they may not have thought of previously."

The camp activities are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. During this time, participants will have the opportunity to engage with EMU's cutting-edge laboratories and simulation labs, which imitate the real-life environments of various health professions. Students will learn about careers in fields such as dietetics, occupational therapy, clinical lab sciences, public health, and athletic training. Participants will earn a certificate upon completing the camp.

Carter added, "We hope that our campers walk away with an invigoration for health-related careers. Though these campers are young, they are our future EMU Eagles and health care professionals."

Registration for the Health Professional Pathways Camp closes on June 13, 2025. Additional information can be found on the K-12 Camps website.