More than 50 students from 18 rural high schools across Northwest Illinois gathered on NIU’s campus for an immersive three-day journey into the world of healthcare. The Rural Health Careers Camp, hosted by the National Center for Rural Health Professions (NCRHP) at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford (UIC) and funded through support from Northeast Illinois Area Health Education Center (AHEC), offered high school students an engaging glimpse into what it’s like to pursue a career in healthcare—especially in rural communities.
“AHEC’s involvement in the camp is rooted in our mission to support and develop the future health workforce, especially among underrepresented students,” said Deyci Ramirez, director of Northeast Illinois AHEC. “We coordinated and facilitated key components of the camp, including hands-on activities, guest speakers and exposure to different health professions. We also provided logistical and staff support to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
Now in its 20th year, the camp has welcomed more than 600 students since its founding in 2005. Its mission is to spark interest in healthcare careers among rural youth, expose them to a range of health professions, and connect them with real-world professionals making a difference in underserved communities.
“Camps like this are important because they give students early exposure to health careers they might not otherwise consider or even know exist,” Ramirez said. “These experiences help build confidence, cultivate interest and inspire students to pursue education pathways that can lead to impactful careers in healthcare, especially in underserved areas.”
Over the course of three days, students explored more than 15 interactive activities representing a broad spectrum of healthcare careers, including nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and emergency medicine. Through hands-on labs, small group discussions, and demonstrations, students gained a deeper understanding of the skills, training, and teamwork that define each role in the healthcare system.
“Being able to meet and interact with healthcare professionals opened my eyes to the many different paths within the healthcare field,” said student Vivaan Pawar. “It helped me realize how passionate I am about pursuing a healthcare career, and it also gave me some new ideas about what direction I might want to take in my career.”
They also had the unique opportunity to learn directly from healthcare providers and hear what drew them to their professions. Camp counselors—many of them current medical or health professions students—offered mentorship and shared their own educational journeys.
“Not only did this camp help me learn more about rural healthcare opportunities, but it also helped me connect with other rural students who share similar goals and aspirations that I do,” Vivaan said. “Being surrounded by such peers made the three days more enjoyable.”
To learn more about the camp or how to get involved, visit NCRHP Rural Health Careers Camp.
