Conway Regional Health System will host the Community Health Applied Medical Service Program (CHAMPS) for students from Faulkner and area counties who will be entering the 11^th or 12^th grade in the fall of 2019 and are interested in exploring a career in healthcare.

This year, there will be two one-week sessions with 20 students per session. This is the third consecutive year for Conway Regional to host an applied science program for high school students.

“The idea behind the CHAMPS program is to give high school students a glimpse of what a career in healthcare can be like. Whenever possible, we try to provide hands-on learning opportunities, such as suturing and dissection,” said Lori Reynolds, director of the CHAMPS program at Conway Regional. “We want them to walk away with a strong impression of whether healthcare is for them.”

“The main thing was that I was introduced to so many different jobs that I didn’t know people did in the hospital,” said Kate Turner of Conway, who is now a senior home school student. “It made me realize that if I go into healthcare that my career won’t involve bodily fluids.”

Reynolds said several students from past camps have returned to volunteer for Conway Regional.

In addition to dissection and casting/suturing, students will be able to earn certification in CPR. Students will also learn from health professionals in family and internal medicine, nursing, pharmacology, laboratory sciences, physical/occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, radiology, radiation therapy, kinesiology and ophthalmology. Other health and wellness-related activities will also be included.

While there is no cost for students accepted into the program, it is limited to 20 students per camp and is determined competitively based on the following criteria. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 5. Sessions will be held June 3-7 and June 17-21.

Application requirements:

• Must be entering the 11^th or 12^th grade in the fall semester of 2019.
• Supply written recommendations from a high school health or science teacher and a high school counselor.
• Have a signed parental or guardian approval to participate.
• Must have taken or be enrolled in biology.
• Provide a transcript of grades, including cumulative grade point average.
• Be able to attend the entire one-week program which will meet 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Session 1 will be June 3–7. Session 2 will be June 17–21.

Applications for the 2019 CHAMPS Program may be picked up at the Conway Regional Health Foundation or found online at conwayregional.org under “Classes and Events.”

Completed applications can be mailed to Conway Regional Women’s Council, Attn: CHAMPS Program, 2302 College Ave. Conway, AR 72034 or emailed to [email protected].

The Conway Regional Women’s Council will host the CHAMPS program, which is being offered in partnership with UAMS and Arkansas Farm Bureau.

For questions about the program, contact Conway Regional CHAMPS Director Lori Reynolds, RN, at 501.513.5800 or email at [email protected].