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Medical Science Academy launched in Starr County high schools

Engineering Academies set for McAllen, Weslaco

The new South Texas College Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy (DEMSA) is creating a new pathway for high school students interested in the medicine fields.  Launched in fall 2005 at the STC Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City, the two-year academy is designed to encourage high school students into the health care professions through college course-work and health related opportunities.

“DEMSA is the first of many STC dual enrollment academies to benefit Rio Grande Valley students,” said Nick Gonzalez, director of High School Programs and Services. “With the creation of additional dual enrollment academies, such as the Dual Enrollment Engineering Academies (DEEA) set to start next fall at our McAllen and Weslaco STC centers, we believe we are preparing students for the next step after high school. The Academy program is primarily designed to immerse students in a college atmosphere at an earlier stage, which will then help them to define their career and college options.”

The DEMSA program introduces junior level students in Rio Grande City and Roma Independent School Districts to a series of courses and presentations from recognized state institutions related to the medical fields. Through DEMSA, students have opportunities to volunteer in different medical areas while learning side-by-side with the medical professionals in Starr County.

Students also receive specialized guidance, tutoring, counseling and scholarship search programs directing them to an easier transition after graduating from high school. At the end of their senior year, students participating in DEMSA will earn 61 college credits, thus completing an associate’s degree in biology.

“Everything taught or directed at DEMSA revolves around the field of medicine, just as next year, DEEA will revolve around the field of engineering,” said Gonzalez. “We understand the great need in Starr County for a stronger medical field and this is our way to help the process. With DEMSA, STC will hopefully be growing Starr County’s future medical professionals.”

High school students interested in participating in the Academy program must apply at the end of their sophomore year and must be interested in the fields of medicine or engineering. Students should also be enrolled in the Distinguished Advanced Program curriculum and must complete a DEMSA or DEEA application that includes writing a brief essay.

DEMSA started its pilot program in fall 2005 with 17 students and hopes to expand next year to 40 full-time students.

For more information about DEMSA or DEEA, contact Lupe Chávez at (956) 872-3499 or gchavez@southtexascollege.edu
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Last Updated June 20, 2007