This winter, about 20 second and third graders at Madison Elementary participated in an afterschool program called "The Great Healthcare Adventure" led by students, faculty and staff from North Dakota State University's College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences. The program, funded by a $10,000 grant from Walgreens Co., is part of the college's efforts to support and expand diversity.

Cartoon viruses, press-on temporary tattoos resembling bacteria, counting trays and glow-in-the-dark germs were just a few of the fun learning tools the students used. They also watched puppet shows with characters representing different healthcare professionals and ethnic backgrounds.

Kimberly Halbur, associate dean for student affairs for the College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences, created the program and Dana Davis, director of recruitment for the College, oversaw the curriculum. The purpose of the program was two-fold: to introduce elementary students to pharmacy, nursing and allied sciences career opportunities as a way to diversify the healthcare workforce and to provide an opportunity for college students to work with individuals from different economic and cultural backgrounds by having them help teach the program.

The program was a success for everyone involved. "We want our elementary kids from this neighborhood to say: 'That's my role model. I like spending time with them. And I want to be a university student.' They will think beyond their high school degree," said Chris Triggs, principal at Madison Elementary.

The program also helps the students think beyond their normal associations with hospitals. "When this age group thinks of a hospital, my guess is that they don't think of the depth of activities that go on within that umbrella. To be introduced to that is really great," said Dan Gronberg, counselor at Madison Elementary.

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For Halbur the greatest reward will come much later. "I can't imagine how cool it would be to have a student come to NDSU and say I'm here because you looked at glow germs with me or helped me understand how an x-ray is made when I was in second grade."

Both NDSU's College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences and Madison Elementary look forward to introducing the program to a new group of students next year.