Pursuing college or a future career can feel overwhelming for many young people, especially when they’re unsure where to begin. Fortunately, the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative is helping freshmen in the Dunkirk City School District discover their paths by providing real-world experiences and long-term support.
As part of this effort, students from Dunkirk High School recently participated in a career exploration trip to Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Inc., where they got a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamic world of healthcare.
These students are part of NYGEAR UP, a federally funded program administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. The initiative offers academic support, mentoring, and college and career readiness opportunities to students throughout the state.
Locally, the program is led by SUNY Jamestown Community College in partnership with Dunkirk and the Jamestown Public School District. JCC GEAR UP has supported these ninth-grade students since seventh grade and will continue to guide them through their first year of college.
During the hospital visit, students toured multiple departments, gaining insight into a variety of healthcare professions:
Radiology: Students viewed imaging scans and sampled barium sulfate to learn its role in diagnostic testing.
Emergency room: They observed emergency care procedures, including an intubation demonstration.
Intensive care unit: Students witnessed the LUCAS chest compression device in action.
Surgery and orthopedics: They learned about operating room procedures and surgical team roles.
Physical therapy: Career paths like physical therapist assistant and doctor of physical therapy were introduced.
Infectious disease: Students discovered how hospitals maintain sterile and safe environments.
Medical/surgical floor: They explored nursing and patient care responsibilities.
Laboratory: Students saw how lab testing supports diagnosis and treatment.
“This experience gave our students an incredible look at the wide variety of roles in the healthcare field,” said Erin Carutis, associate director of the JCC GEAR UP program. “It’s these kinds of experiences that help young people start to envision their future and see that there are many paths to success.”
On behalf of JCC and the GEAR UP program, Carutis extend thanked Sheila Cole and the staff at Brooks-TLC Hospital System for their hospitality and dedication.
“Their time, expertise, and encouragement made a lasting impression on these future professionals,” Carutis said.