An Academic Update from the Provost

The University of Saint Mary has been actively engaged in impactful outreach activities for high school students in the Leavenworth and Kansas City regions. It is not uncommon to see groups of high school students on campus participating in a number of academic opportunities provided by USM faculty and staff. These outreach initiatives continue to foster connections between local schools and the world of higher education, particularly familiarizing them with our beautiful campus, excellent academic programs, and caring and compassionate faculty and staff.

High School Dual Enrollment Program
USM currently offers dual enrollment courses to 113 high school students from five area high schools. The dual enrollment program provides an opportunity for high school students to experience the rigor of college coursework and get a head start to completing their college degrees while still enrolled in high school.

As an extension to the dual-enrollment program, faculty serve as guest speakers in the local high schools, host discipline-specific field trips on campus, and participate in high school activities. Admissions and financial aid staff also offer sessions to students and parents on college readiness, scholarships, FASFA processes, and assist them with other areas on their college-seeking journey.

Science Outreach
The Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Division of Nursing, in collaboration with the Human Anatomy Lab, conduct half-day educational experiences for high school students called Scrub Camps. Scrub Camp participants receive a tour of USM’s Human Anatomy Lab (HAL) and participate in “Germ Glow” activities, among other engaging and hands-on activities. Additionally, the HAL program has established collaborations with approximately 15 area high school anatomy classes and engages with local health care professionals to provide facility tours. In the 2022-23 academic year, 860 individuals utilized and toured the HAL, which was a 45.5 percent increase from the inaugural year in 2021-22.

USM Campus Hosted DECA Event
In the fall, USM hosted the Leavenworth High School Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) event, bringing more than 325 students from eight area high schools onto the USM campus, along with local business professionals who served as judges for the events.

USM business faculty also serve local students through hosting Platt County High School’s Future Business Leaders of America Board Meeting, with several faculty serving as advisory members, mentoring students preparing business plans in the KC BizFest, and attending Blue Valley’s Mentor Madness Event in February.

Exploring Crime Scene Investigation Methods
The fields of criminology and psychology frequently collaborate to deliver simulated classes to visiting high school cohorts, while also extending their reach by visiting high schools. In February, USM hosted 18 students and two teachers from Tonganoxie High School for an interactive virtual investigative experience. This includes a tour of the Human Anatomy Lab, exploration of USM’s “Crime Scene Room”, and involvement in staged crime scene activities.

Promoting Future Teachers
The Educator’s Rising club is actively involved in visiting P-12 schools and community colleges, undertaking service-oriented initiatives with students, and supporting high schoolers interested in pursuing careers
in education.