CHHS students recently offered Rockford high school students a glimpse into the healthcare field.
A team of NIU grad students offered Rockford high school students a glimpse into the healthcare field during an event held last month at the Family Health, Wellness and Literacy Center. The community collaboration with Trio Upward Bound program is part of the School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders’ (AHCD) continuing efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the healthcare profession.
“Diversity in our profession is critical and improves the quality of health care we provide to our communities,” said AHCD chair, Sherrill Morris. “While there are many reasons why there is a lack of diversity in the professions of audiology, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology, one could be that individuals from underrepresented communities may not consider pursuing an allied health degree.”
Morris said the collaboration with Trio Upward Bound program is an important step that allows high school students to start thinking about what they want to do in the future.
“NIU graduate students did an amazing job developing and implementing interactive events that motivated the high school students to engage in activities,” Morris said. “I am hopeful that this experience helped students actually see themselves in a graduate allied health program.”
Learn more about the School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders at NIU.

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