Connecting with the K-12 community

Located in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State University School of Medicine is deeply rooted in its community, with a long-standing commitment to improving health outcomes and educational opportunities across the city, surrounding metro areas and throughout the state of Michigan. By actively engaging with K–12 students through engagement and outreach programs focused on medicine and STEM education, the School of Medicine aims to inspire the next generation of homegrown physician leaders. This mission reflects a powerful belief: the more we invest in and grow our own talent, the stronger and healthier our community will become.

In addition to hosting programs such as Reach Out to Youth, Silas Norman Medical Scholars, the Medical Mentors Pipeline Program and C2 Pipeline Programs, we offer medical campus tours, presentations and speakers based on availability.

Medical campus tours and presentations - Schools, youth organizations and other student groups can schedule a tour of the Wayne State University medical campus, where they'll explore high-tech laboratories, interact with faculty researchers and get a firsthand look at life as a medical student. Student groups also can schedule personalized presentations from School of Medicine representatives on or off campus.
School-sponsored career days - The Wayne State University School of Medicine regularly collaborates with elementary, middle and high schools to provide guest speakers for school-sponsored career events. Our representatives deliver interactive presentations focusing on career opportunities in medicine and what it takes to become a physician.

Inquire about tours, presentations and speakers

Additional K-12 Programs

Reach Out to Youth - This annual program, typically held in late Autumn, brings Detroit students — ages 7 to 11 — to the Wayne State University School of Medicine to learn about basic health care and nutrition, spark interest in science and medicine, boost self-esteem and explore careers in the field. Approximately 350 students and 100 parents participate each year, with medical students and faculty members volunteering as tour guides, workshop leaders and presenters.
Silas Norman Medical Scholars - The Silas Norman Medical Scholars (SINORMS) program is for students in grades 7 and 8 to lay the foundation necessary to attain higher levels of academic excellence in STEM - related classes in high school. The program is delivered in the form of a summer academy and monthly workshops. The program honors Dr. Silas Norman-emeritus, who was a pioneer in the field of Medicine in the Detroit Metro Community.
Medical Mentors Pipeline Program - The Medical Mentors Pipeline Program's (M2P2) provides highly motivated high school or college students with a six-week summer program that provides direct exposure to a career in medicine. Students explore a variety of medical specialties during three, two-week-long rotations while directly interacting with attending physicians, residents and other healthcare providers to gain exposure and a better understanding of what is required in order to become a physician. Admitted students must complete several required assignments and attend didactics over the course of the program that help to build a solid foundation of information that can be used in their quest of becoming physicians.
C² Pipeline - C² Pipeline is a 21st Century Community Learning Center-funded program through the Michigan Department of Education. C² Pipeline operates in 15 schools throughout metropolitan Detroit with the goal of college and career readiness. To achieve that goal, C² Pipeline staff use hands-on, project-based learning activities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math to engage students. An emphasis is placed on careers in health care.
Michigan AHEC Scholars program - The Michigan AHEC Scholars program is an advanced learning opportunity which supplements classroom instruction. It aims to prepare students to enter the health professions workforce by teaching them important supplemental skills that might otherwise be missing from the student's normal academic curriculum.
Biomedical Career Advancement Program (BCAP) - The Biomedical Career Advancement Program (BCAP) is a summer research experience for youth interested in pursuing careers in health science. Students will work alongside senior research/clinical faculty to explore research investigation in a highly enriched environment.

Additional K-12 tips, information and opportunities are available on Wayne State University's K-12 content hub.