In light of the recent news, I would like to “Pay it Forward” by sharing some key information. My mother did a great job of keeping my sisters and I exposed to health sciences throughout middle and high school. From there I managed to discover college summer programs on my own. Please review the list of programs that may help your child stay focused and interested in STEM/health science fields. Currently, there is a high demand for minority females to enter these fields. I am from North Carolina so a few programs are only for NC residents.

1. Area Health Education Center (AHEC)- Various programs for middle and high school students. Events are held on weekends throughout the school year and summer programs include stipends upon completion.
   • Find your local chapter here: http://www.nationalahec.org/
   • If you are a NC resident then click here: https://www.ncahec.net/
2. Imhotep Academy- A year round enrichment program for under-served middle school students.
   • Get more details here: https://sciencehouse.ncsu.edu/students/k-12-students/signature-student-program-offerings/imhotep-academy-3/
3. North Carolina Health Careers Access Program (NC HCAP)- Various enrichment programs offered to pre-college students on weekends and in the summer.
   • Get more details here: http://nchcap.unc.edu/college/sep-program/
4. Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)- This is predominately for undergraduates of 4 year institutions or post-baccalaureate students.
   • Find a research experience in your field here: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/
5. Focus on Your Future- A one week experience at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago designed for underrepresented minorities in college.
   • Review current program dates here: http://www.ico.edu/admissions/recruitment-events/
6. Improving Diversity in Optometric Careers (I-DOC)- A three day experience at the Ohio State University College of Optometry designed to increase minority presence in Optometry school.
   • Review current program dates here: https://u.osu.edu/idoc/
7. Medical Education Development (MED) program- A summer opportunity for disadvantaged students who have completed a certain amount of college science coursework.
   • Get more details here: https://www.med.unc.edu/medprogram/about-us/
8. National Science Foundation Special Programs for Graduate Students- If you are seeking funding for your research initiative.
   • Find a program here: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/education.jsp?fund_type=2

If you know of any other program that could benefit students then please share in the comments.