The High-STEP Health Science Academy program aims to shape the future of healthcare professionals in the region. High-STEP provides health science coursework and work-based learning experiences that prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare.

The program is uniquely designed for students interested in health and health science. Each student receives a quality education, experiences, and opportunities that aim to prepare them for various post-secondary opportunities and careers. 

Participating Schools

• Blue Earth
• Cleveland
• Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton
• Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial
• Le Sueur-Henderson
• Madelia
• Maple River
• Martin County West
• New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva
• St. Clair
• Tri-City United
• United South Central
• Waseca

Participant Testimonials

“Thank you for providing these opportunities for us, smaller schools that don't have the facilities to offer these classes to our students!  We've had such good students in the last few years, and many have entered the healthcare field. It's been fun for me to watch them grow from freshman to see them pass their CNA test. This whole program is wonderful, and I tell the students how lucky they are to have it. After graduation, I've had a few talk to me and tell me they understood what I meant once they started college. The curriculum moved a lot faster, and how they would have struggled if they hadn’t taken the courses they did.” Amy Straube, Business Education Teacher, Waseca Public Schools

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"High-STEP Health Science Academy has helped me determine my career focus and college major. I know I want to use my passion for sports and medicine and major in Athletic Training. I couldn't have gotten to this decision without taking the High-STEP courses and I'm proud of the grades I've received thus far." -Sydney, TCU Senior

“I joined HOSA for the opportunity to be involved with others who have similar goals as me,” shared Mayla Soulisak, NRHEG student. “I want to pursue a job in healthcare and being in HOSA is a great way to interact with the community and build a background. Being in HOSA comes with many benefits, we are often contacted with opportunities to work abroad or given opportunities for scholarships. HOSA is an amazing opportunity for high-school students to build their resumes, be in a healthcare environment, and get started on their career path early!” -Mayla, NRHEG student. 

“The High-STEP Health Science Academy has exposed me to the wide range of healthcare fields from our guest speakers each week,” she said. “I have enjoyed the self-paced curriculum that fits with my busy schedule and have definitely grown in my medical knowledge. Each week provides insight into a new area of medicine and allows me to find out what I want to do in the future. I believe that this course is a great first look at healthcare for high school students who are exploring careers or just interested in medicine!" -Cecelia, Waseca Student