Early exposure to Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) can play a significant role in shaping future healthcare careers. This exposure is especially important for students in historically underresourced communities, who are not always introduced to the wide range of healthcare career pathways available to them.
Fortunately, we’re seeing more organizations investing in hands-on, community-centered initiatives to bridge that gap. In partnership with the Los Angeles Rams and Hollywood Park, Cedars-Sinai has launched multiple STEAM-focused events across Inglewood and surrounding communities, reaching more than 2,400 middle school students so far.
STEAM programs go beyond typical career fairs by creating immersive experiences that emphasize mentorship, real-world applications, and representation.
While introducing children to healthcare careers at any age can encourage them to think about their future, middle school is a critical time for career exploration and identity development. Studies consistently show that career interests start to form during adolescence. Early engagement with science, technology, and healthcare careers can also improve confidence and academic engagement. Hands-on experiences, in particular, can often resonate more strongly than classroom instruction alone, highlighting the importance of creating immersive experiences for children.
“Early exposure to STEAM is critical, especially for students who may not always see themselves represented in science or healthcare careers,” said Christina Harris, MD, vice president and chief health equity officer at Cedars-Sinai.
STEAM exposure can also be especially beneficial for growing the future healthcare workforce. The healthcare industry continues to face workforce shortages in many specialties, and those roles aren’t being filled as quickly as hoped. Long-term workforce development can begin before college, or even high school, and programs like STEAM can help cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Cedars-Sinai’s outreach efforts with the LA Rams have included a series of STEAM-focused activations designed to introduce middle schoolers to healthcare, science, and technology careers through hands-on learning experiences.
The STEAM Squad visit to Bunche Middle School engaged students in grades 6-8 through healthcare exploration activities and interactive learning opportunities.
They later hosted several large-scale events at SoFi Stadium. During STEAM Career Day, students explored how healthcare, sports medicine, engineering, entertainment, and technology intersect in real-world settings. Students also participated in stadium tours and immersive activities designed to make STEAM learning more engaging and accessible.
Additional outreach included a STEAM Squad visit at Markham Middle School, followed by a STEAM Field Day at SoFi Stadium, which brought together several hundred middle school students for interactive activities centered on teamwork, movement, and applied STEAM learning.
Collectively, the initiatives reached more than 2,400 middle school students across Inglewood and neighboring communities.
Programs like these are designed not only to educate students, but also to help them envision themselves in healthcare and STEAM careers.
Cedars-Sinai leaders say the goal is not simply to introduce students to medicine, but to expose them to the wide range of careers that support healthcare systems. “What’s powerful about a day like this is that students can see how many different career opportunities exist in healthcare,” said Michael Farkouh, MD, vice dean for Research and Clinical Trials at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University. “You don’t have to leave Los Angeles to receive world-class training and education. Right here at Cedars-Sinai and our Health Sciences University, there are pathways in research, artificial intelligence, pharmacy technician, respiratory therapy, and so much more.”
Adolescents are more likely to pursue careers they can realistically picture themselves entering. Exposure to physicians, researchers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can help demystify medicine and STEAM fields. In addition, mentorship opportunities can help students understand the educational journey behind these careers.
Representation is key to building trust, confidence, and long-term interest. Cedars-Sinai regularly partners with Black Men in White Coats, an organization focused on mentorship, networking, and career exploration for Black students interested in medicine. Students gain hands-on learning opportunities while connecting with healthcare professionals who reflect their communities and experiences.
Traditional career education models may leave some students out, particularly those from underserved areas. Bringing programs like STEAM directly into schools and community spaces can increase accessibility, and experiential learning can create stronger engagement than passive exposure alone. For example, programs hosted at places like SoFi Stadium can help students connect STEAM concepts to environments they already recognize and value.
Partnerships among healthcare systems, schools, sports organizations, and community groups can create scalable models to ensure adolescents receive early exposure to STEAM careers.
Workforce development should begin long before professional school starts. Early exposure, mentorship, and immersive learning opportunities can help students view healthcare careers as attainable, no matter their background. Community-centered initiatives may play a critical role in helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.
For many students, a single hands-on experience or a conversation with a healthcare professional can spark an interest that shapes their future career path.
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