The University of the Virgin Islands Science and Mathematics Division has been awarded a $553,293 grant for its Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP). The grant, sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which is part of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, is to be used over three years.
UVI has had a Health Careers Opportunity Program since 1991. The goal of the program is to increase the number of disadvantaged Virgin Islanders admitted to health professional schools. The UVI-HCOP seeks to better prepare students at various stages in their education, through direct educational programs, as well as through a series of partnerships on the local and national levels.
The UVI-HCOP has therefore established partnerships with:
•• Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program
•• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
•• UVI's Upward Bound program
•• The V.I. Public Schools
•• The Roy L. Schneider Hospital
•• The V.I. Dental Association
•• V.I. veterinarians
•• The East End Family Health Center.
These partnerships will enable UVI to provide for internships, mentoring and information dissemination. Through the ready availability of role models and information concerning health careers, the UVI-HCOP will make it possible to recruit more students into health-related careers by sparking interest at an early stage of their educational experience.
Dr. Robert Stolz, an assistant professor of mathematics at UVI, is director of the UVI Health Careers Opportunity Program. "It gives students an opportunity to pursue their goals," Stolz said. "If they are interested in medical careers, it gives them a real push –– a link –– to help them in whatever discipline they choose."
Two UVI graduates, Kirsten Schuck and Glenville Morton, participated in the UVI Health Career Opportunity Program and are scheduled to receive medical degrees from Boston University School of Medicine in May 2000.
The UVI-HCOP offers a seven-week summer preparatory program for pre-college freshmen and rising high school seniors. Additionally, the program offers SAT, GRE and MCAT workshops, provides tutoring and mentoring for junior high school students, and provides support and shadowing experiences for junior high and high school students who have shown an interest in medical and health related careers. Students interested in attending UVI and participating in these programs should contact Dr. Robert Stolz at 693-1255.