Resources for Middle School Students
Ochsner Health offers middle school programs primarily through the Dr. John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy (DJOD), a public charter school in Jefferson Parish for grades pre-K through 8, and various outreach programs like the STEM Pathfinder summer program, which is geared for students entering 9th grade and up. DJOD provides a health science-focused curriculum and other services, while the outreach programs, such as the STEM Pathfinder, offer hands-on experiences and career exploration in healthcare.
Xavier University of Louisiana offers several pre-college summer programs suitable for middle school students, including the Summer STEM Academy for rising 6th-8th graders focusing on robotics, and the Star Programs, which offer academic enrichment in areas like math and science. These programs provide hands-on learning experiences, exposure to a college environment, and opportunities to connect with peers and mentors
Ochsner Resources
Education Outreach: Serving Our Schools | Ochsner Health
Since 2005, Education Outreach at Ochsner Health has served the community by connecting K-12 students and teachers with innovative academic opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and early exposure to workforce pathways. We are committed to building a future of healthcare leaders who reflect the communities we serve.
We do this by:
- Connecting classroom to career
- Increasing equitable access to high-quality learning
- Enhancing STEM literacy
- Driving student achievement and confidence in science
OPTIMUS: Ochsner Program To Introduce Medicine to Underrepresented Students (OPTIMUS) | Ochsner Health
OPTIMUS is a program at Ochsner Health with the mission of helping to eliminate healthcare disparities by increasing diversity in medicine. OPTIMUS stands for Ochsner’s Program to Introduce Medicine to Underserved Students and was founded by Dr. Tamika Webb-Detiege, a senior rheumatologist.
OPTIMUS provides education on various career paths in medicine, hands-on simulations and experiments, and tips for preparing for a future medical career. Over the 2023-2024 school year, OPTIMUS hosted seven events across five schools in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish and impacted 903 students, ranging from as early as kindergarten to undergraduate students.
Xavier University of Louisiana Resources
Pre-College Programs Pre-College Programs | Xavier University of Louisiana
Pre-College Summer Programs consists of a variety of programs for middle school and high school students to enrich their academic and social development. Students experience a rigorous academic setting in a historic black college environment and have access to an introductory course. Where they learn basic skills and foundations that will prepare them for their upcoming fall course.
Star Programs provide middle and high school students (grades 7–12) with a head start on some of the most challenging material they will encounter in their upcoming high school courses. Through immersive learning, students gain a foundation in core STEM subjects, preparing them for success as they move through their academic careers. The five distinct programs—CHEMStar, BIOStar, PHYStar, MATHStar I: Algebra, and MATHStar II: Geometry.
Summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Academy is an engaging three-week robotics program aimed at rising 6th to 8th graders. Participants will discover how to apply mathematical principles, acquire basic programming skills, and learn the essentials of engineering and computer science.