CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — 30 elementary students graduated from the very first Mini Medical School Program at Booker T. Washington STEM Academy in Champaign Saturday.
In collaboration with the University of Illinois and Carle Illinois College of Medicine, this program brings curriculum to fourth and fifth graders at the elementary school to teach them more about medicine.
Nicole del Castillo, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Carle Illinois College of Medicine, said igniting this passion early on allows students to dream and strive for something bigger.
"To really see their excitement and their accomplishments and what they have done, to think about the fact this is potentially their first white coat and their future white coat is to come as they grow into future physician innovators," she said.
Graduates received their own lab coat and stethoscope during the ceremony.
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