Milwaukee, WI — The Milwaukee Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is celebrating a year of growth, leadership, and hands-on learning as part of its 2024-2025 High School Pathways Program. This program is delivered in partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools, Messmer High School, Marshfield Clinic Health System AmeriCorps Community Corps, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH).
Through two nationally recognized programs – HOSA Future Health Professionals and the Youth Health Service Corps (YHSC) – students gained immersive experiences that sparked curiosity and strengthened the future health care workforce.
Addressing the community impact, Executive Director Suzanne Letellier shared that“Our High School Pathways Program is more than education—it’s empowerment. By connecting students to mentors and hands-on experiences, we’re building confidence and shaping a diverse health workforce that reflects and serves our community.”
Program Participation & Achievements
This year, students across Milwaukee embraced leadership and career development opportunities through HOSA Future Health Professions Events:
● 37 students attended the Fall Leadership Conference
● 6 students competed in Regional Leadership Competitions
● 11 students competed at the State Leadership Conference
● 2 students advanced to the International Leadership Conference
Student demographic representation included:
● 78.5% female, 17.7% male, 3.8% non-binary
● 53.2% Black/African American, 9.5% Asian, 7.9% Hispanic/Latinx, along with multiethnic, White, and Middle Eastern/North African representation
Hands-On Learning in Action
Pathways students participated in activities designed to bring health careers to life, including:
● Organ demonstrations led by medical students
● IV and clinical skill practice
● MCW Ignite field trips
● “Day in the Life” project presentations
● Campus clean-up and community service projects
● End-of-year recognition events
These experiences, guided by mentors and medical student volunteers, gave teens meaningful exposure to health careers while building confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging.
Student Impact
Students shared how the program shaped their growth:
“YHSC has helped me become more attentive, curious, and to prioritize my health and the health of others. On top of that, YHSC gives me a sense of belonging.” – YHSC Student
“HOSA was a great program that I joined, and I will come back next year.” – HOSA Student
“I actually got to do more hands-on this year, and I love that because I am a visual learner.” – HOSA Student
Survey outcomes show substantial program impact. Students reported increased knowledge of health careers and the steps required to pursue them, and most participants said they were interested in pursuing a health career after participating in HOSA or YHSC.
A Strong Future for Milwaukee’s Health Workforce
The High School Pathways Program continues to advance Milwaukee AHEC’s mission of developing a diverse and prepared health workforce. By connecting teens with mentors, hands-on activities, and real-world experiences, the program builds early excitement for careers in health care and strengthens future community health capacity.
