In May, more than 65 fifth-grade students from The Language Academy of Sacramento visited UC Davis Health to learn about careers in healthcare and at UC Davis Health. Hosted by the UC Davis Office of Government and Community Relations and Aggie Square, the goal of the Discovery Day event was to educate elementary students about careers available in healthcare, with a focus on engaging students who lived in neighborhoods nearby the healthcare center.

The students participated in a variety of presentations and activities, including a health profession guessing game and presentations about careers in radiology and nursing. Following a healthy lunch, students rotated through stations to find out more about other careers. The Pharmacy Department taught students about medication safety by showing them how to “fill” prescriptions using candy, an activity well-received by the kids. Physical therapists guided students through interactive stations to educate them about different methods used to help patients recover after injury. Medical Interpreting Services helped the students gain an understanding of how their bilingual skills can be utilized in healthcare. The students also had the chance to meet with UC Davis Police, ask questions about what is needed to obtain a career in law enforcement, and sit in a police vehicle.

Exposure to professionals from a variety of departments provides youth the opportunity to explore the endless possibilities of obtaining a career in healthcare and the diverse career paths that exist in the industry. Plans are for Discovery Day to commence twice a year, once again with an emphasis on those students residing in the neighborhoods closest to UC Davis Health. Events like Discovery Day are part of the goals in the Aggie Square Community Benefit Partnership Agreement to provide opportunities and workforce pipeline programs to those living in nearby zip codes.