Birmingham City Schools, UAB Nursing Partner to Prepare Students for College and Future Careers

Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times Maria Manuel is just a freshman at Huffman High School but already knows what she wants to do once she graduates. “I want to be an ultrasound technician,” said the 15-year-old. Thanks to a Pathways to Professional Nursing Program at her school she is already on her way. Designed to prepare students for post-secondary education, the program launched last fall at Huffman High School and is co-managed by Crystal Freeman, adjunct instructor nursing family/child health/caregiver at UAB School of Nursing and Allyson Sanders, UAB School of Nursing Instructor. Currently, 19 Huffman High School students are participating with plans to welcome 9th-graders from Woodlawn, Wenonah, and Ramsay High Schools next year. “It feels really good to be a part of this program,” Manuel said. “It gives me a chance to be in the medical field in the future and this is a great opportunity … it will be worth it. “ Students will have opportunities to take advanced and dual-enrollment classes, visit the UAB campus on a scheduled basis and participate in summer enrichment activities. Those who complete the program and enroll at UAB will be considered pre-nursing students and will receive further exposure to...