Maryville University of Saint Louis
School of Health Professions

Maryville Partnership Helps Kids Imagine the Future

Students in the St. Louis public schools are encouraged to explore career opportunities through a program developed by the School of Health Professions at Maryville University in partnership with Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS).

After-school staff who participate in After School for All Partnership (ASAP), an ARCHS affiliate program, visited campus to learn how to incorporate math, engineering, technology and science into various student activities. The Maryville program will host students in grades 5 and 6 later this spring. The session with the after-school staff was to provide professional development hours as well as to allow the staff to experience what the students experience when they visit the Maryville campus.

“The program is really designed to help encourage kids to stay in school, and to consider additional training and education after exposure to careers in the health professions,” said Barbara Parker, Ph.D., CRC, LCPC, director of Maryville University's graduate rehabilitation counseling program.

During the Maryville training, after school staff learned how to incorporate math and engineering into after school activities by constructing a house built to scale. Staff rotated between health professions to obtain training and hands-on learning opportunities in music therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitative services and nursing.

The project included the School of Business and School of Education faculty. The Discovering Occupations Camp has been provided to over 150 students from St. Louis City Schools. The addition of after-school staff was designed to increase understanding and strengthen the partnership between Maryville University and ARCHS.

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