New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University (NYITCOM at A-State) is now accepting applications for Project H.E.A.R.T., the college’s “mini-medical school” program for high school students which will be held in June in both Jonesboro and Arkadelphia.

The Jonesboro session will be held June 9-12 on the A-State campus, while the Arkadelphia session will be held June 5-8 at HSU.  There is no cost to the student to attend.

Project H.E.A.R.T. (Health Education, Advocacy, Reflection, and Training) is a residential camp aimed at enlightening students about future careers in health care and teaching them about higher education opportunities and community health. The program is aimed at students who would benefit from an opportunity to excel.

“Project H.E.A.R.T. is a great program for students who are interested in health care careers to learn about opportunities in the field while spending time on a college campus and engaging with current medical students who are eager to mentor them,” said Jennifer Wharton, NYITCOM’s associate director of pipeline programs and Project H.E.A.R.T. director. “It is truly one of the highlights of our year.”

Students applying for Project H.E.A.R.T. must be a high school student entering 11^th or 12^th grade in August of 2024. Dormitory housing and meals are provided for all participants. The program is open to any student who lives anywhere in Arkansas or a Delta State.  

“We have students from across the state and region attend Project H.E.A.R.T. each year, and we encourage any student who is interested in a career in any health care field to apply,” said Project H.E.A.R.T. director Jennifer Wharton. “It’s a phenomenal experience.”

During Project H.E.A.R.T., NYITCOM medical students serve as counselors and actively mentor the high school students. Participants learn about a day in the life of a medical student, hear about the undergraduate admissions process, and engage in educational activities that include an opportunity to dissect a porcine heart in the anatomy lab.

Applications are available online and must be submitted no later than April 25.  Interested participants must submit a personal statement with their application. For more information, email Jennifer Wharton at jwharton@nyit.edu.  

This summer marks the second-consecutive year that NYITCOM at A-State has offered the program on both the Arkansas State University and Henderson State University campuses this summer. The program’s expansion to Southwest Arkansas was made possible thanks to a generous gift from an anonymous donor.