Exploring Careers in Healthcare & Onward (ECHO): A community outreach program to promote healthcare career interest in K-8 students

Early career exploration can strongly influence children’s career development. This study describes a pilot community outreach career fair named Exploring Careers in Healthcare & Onward (ECHO) that is designed to introduce basic physiological concepts and explore careers in medicine with elementary and middle school students through hands-on experiments and interaction with healthcare students and providers. The objective of this intervention is to increase exposure and interest in healthcare careers in elementary- and middle-aged students in low socioeconomic status areas and examine its impact on vocational aspirations through post-event surveys. The program offers four interactive activities centered in various medical specialties: 1) “Build Your Own Stethoscope” (Cardiology), 2) “Learn About Lungs” (Pulmonology), 3) “Make A Surgeon’s Bracelet” (Surgery), and 4) “All About Reflexes” (Neurology). Survey data from 98 participating elementary and middle school students demonstrated a statistically significant increase in healthcare career interest following participation in the ECHO career fair. These results provide preliminary data supporting the use of early career-oriented interventions to increase healthcare career interest and motivate students to consider pursuing careers in healthcare. By offering opportunities for students to engage in healthcare career-oriented learning experiences, ECHO has the potential to empower youth to pursue careers in healthcare in their professional futures.