Twenty students from Manor and Round Rock high schools recently participated in ACC’s Healthcare Exploration Week — an immersive, hands-on experience designed to introduce students to the many educational and career pathways available across the healthcare professions.
Offered at no cost to students through a grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation, the week provided opportunities for students to explore healthcare careers and connect with inspiring professionals in an engaging and supportive environment.
Students participated in Health Sciences simulation experiences, STOP THE BLEED® training, activities led by the Make It Medical staff — a program developed by the Make It Center — and interactive sessions thoughtfully created by our Health Sciences and Nursing department chairs, faculty, and staff. Guest speakers also shared their professional journeys, offering encouragement and helping students imagine themselves in meaningful healthcare careers.
“The students were remarkable — curious, engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. Their energy brought each experience to life and reaffirmed the importance of creating early opportunities for young people to see that college and a career in healthcare are within their reach,” said Dr. Nina Almasy, Associate Vice Chancellor of Healthcare Professions.
View photos from Healthcare Exploration Week in the slideshow below.
Healthcare Exploration Week reflects ACC’s Theory of Change and Institutional Effectiveness priorities by helping students connect education to a clear career pathway, strengthening partnerships with our school districts and community, and removing barriers to exploration and participation. It also brought ACC’s values to life through courage, compassion, joy, and yes — creating a welcoming environment where every student was encouraged to discover what is possible.
“We are deeply grateful to all who created such meaningful and engaging experiences for our students,” said Almasy. “Special recognition goes to Ande Brophy and Donovan Happley, who were instrumental in the development and coordination of this successful program. Their vision, dedication, and attention to the student experience helped make the week truly exceptional.”
This highly successful pilot provides a strong foundation for a scalable model that can expand through our Central Texas Healthcare Academy — giving even more students the opportunity to explore, engage, and begin envisioning their future in healthcare.