Bryan Health, Lincoln Public Schools launch new science program

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Bryan Health and Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) hold a remote press conference at 11 a.m. to unveil a new Medical Science Focus Program.

LPS and Bryan College of Health Sciences (BCHS) announce a 10-year partnership to launch this program, which is set to open in the fall of 2022 with the new high school located near 48th and W Holdrege Streets.

In a recent press release, LPS Superintendent Steve Joel said, “LPS continues to look for opportunities to collaborate with community partners that will engage our students and enhance their experiences while we prepare them to graduate college and be career ready.”

BCHS President Rich Lloyd says he hopes this program will help to increase interest in the industry among high schoolers.

“The need for qualified health care workers in Lincoln and surrounding areas is not going away. To start building interest in the medical sciences early on, is imperative to building our workforce well into the future,” added Lloyd.

The program will offer dual-credit courses and hands-on experience. Students will be able to earn up to 13 college credit hours.

It begins at the freshman and sophomore levels as a health science curriculum. Junior and senior students will then be eligible to enroll in the dual-credit courses.

Several classes will be offered online and in-person through BCHS. For the first year, BCHS and LPS expect about 300 students to enroll.

Focus Program students will be matched with BCHS students as a part of a mentoring program. Shadowing opportunities will be available.

“For students who know they want to enter the medical field, they will be highly engaged in this program,” said James Blake, LPS director of strategic initiatives and focus programs. “For those who do not see a medical career as their end goal will still enhance their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. These skills are essential to future success in any field.”