JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
University Medical Center is exposing young people to the world of healthcare.
On Saturday morning, 75 middle school-aged students from Humphries and Choctaw Counties, and Jackson Public Schools, began the Science Training Enrichment Program, or "STEP".
The students will spend one Saturday per month at UMC from September until March. During this session of STEP, they're learning about the digestive system. It's a great learning experience for the young people.
"We know the State of Mississippi has a shortage of physicians, dentists, and other healthcare professionals. We try to get students at an early age, expose them to healthcare professions in hopes they go into these professions," says Dr. Gaarmel Funches, Director of Community Education and Outreach for UMC.
In the coming months, the students will be dissecting and taking part in other hands-on activities.
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