Pathways to Success

Save the Date!
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS - Spring 2025!

What began as an annual project quickly evolved into a biannual event. Twice a year, 80-100 high school students from underserved areas in Tucson and other Southern Arizona communities are invited to Banner University Medical Center South (BUMCS), exposed to various medical professions, and led on a hospital tour.

Many career paths are represented, including, but not limited to, Physicians (multiple specialties), Nursing, Therapies (Respiratory, Physical, Speech, Occupational), Dieticians, Medical Assistants, Phlebotomy, and Pharmacy. Young students also have the opportunity to experience hands-on activities and demonstrations and have discussions with healthcare professionals.

If you have any questions regarding the event, please contact Abigail Kelso at abigailkelso@arizona.edu

Pathways to Success: Community Outreach & Education Opportunities

During the Pathways to Success event, students will participate in an interactive and educational evening that includes:

Hands-On Learning with Medical Residents

Residents from a wide range of specialties will host interactive demonstrations, allowing students to explore different areas of medicine.
Students will have the chance to engage in hands-on activities, such as practicing basic clinical skills, understanding medical equipment, and participating in diagnostic simulations.
These experiences provide real-world insight into the daily work of healthcare professionals.

Students will meet and network with medical residents, faculty, and program staff who can offer insight into the medical school journey and various career paths.
Small group discussions provide a supportive space for students to ask questions about coursework, admissions, and professional development.
Participants gain valuable mentorship from professionals dedicated to increasing representation in the medical field.

The program culminates in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Banner South campus, giving students a firsthand look at hospital operations.
Students will visit key hospital departments, observe clinical settings, and learn how different healthcare professionals collaborate to provide patient care.
This experience demystifies the hospital environment and helps students envision themselves working in medicine.

The evening includes motivational talks from medical professionals, who share their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the field.
These speakers highlight the importance of perseverance, representation, and diversity in healthcare.
Students leave with a renewed sense of purpose and encouragement to pursue careers in the medical field.

Expands Access to Healthcare Careers – Provides students from under-resourced backgrounds with a unique opportunity to explore careers in medicine.
Inspires the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals – Offers direct engagement with residents and medical faculty who can serve as role models and mentors.
Breaks Down Barriers – Helps students navigate the complexities of medical education and professional pathways.
Encourages Diversity in Medicine – Strengthens connections between aspiring students and the medical community to promote long-term inclusivity.

This program is open to high school juniors and seniors, particularly those who are:

Interested in exploring healthcare careers.
From historically under-resourced communities.
Looking for mentorship and career guidance.

Students do not need prior medical experience—just a curiosity and passion for learning about healthcare professions.

Students: Interested in attending? Sign up to participate in the next Pathways to Success event.
Educators & Counselors: Recommend students who would benefit from this opportunity.
Medical Residents and faculty: Are you interested in serving as a mentor or hosting an interactive session?*These will be live links once surveys are made for event.

Pathways to Success Essay Competition: Supporting Future Healthcare Leaders

The Pathways to Success Essay Competition is a prestigious initiative designed to support high school juniors and senior students in PIMA County who aspire to careers in healthcare. This serves as a financial and mentorship bridge, helping students pursue their academic goals while providing them with the guidance and resources needed to thrive in medical education and beyond.

The Pathways to Success Scholarship is open to students who meet the following criteria:

High school junior or senior students pursuing or considering a healthcare career.
Students from historically under-resourced backgrounds who demonstrate financial need.
Individuals with a strong academic record, leadership potential, and commitment to healthcare.
Attend a PIMA county high school.

This scholarship is designed to uplift students who may not otherwise have access to financial, academic, and professional support in their pursuit of a career in medicine.

Complete the Online Application – Interested students must submit an application detailing their academic background and career aspirations.
Submit Essay – Applicants are to submit an essay that responds to prompts explaining why they are pursuing a career in healthcare, 3 tangible steps they’ve taken and which medical career they are exploring.
Application Review & Selection Process – A selection committee will review applications and choose recipients based on academic performance, commitment to healthcare, and leadership potential.

Scholarship recipients will be notified and invited to the Pathways to Success event to accept the award certificate.

Students: Ready to apply? Check the application deadline and submit your materials for consideration.
Educators & Counselors: Encourage eligible students to apply for this scholarship and take advantage of mentorship opportunities.
Medical Residents & Faculty: Interested in serving on the selection committee or mentoring a scholarship recipient? Sign up to be a mentor and help guide future healthcare leaders.***These will be live links

We look forward to supporting and celebrating the success of our scholarship recipients!