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Health Science Academy Achieves STEM Accreditation Milestone

By Office of the President | Dec 3, 2024

AAIUHThe Health Science Academy (HSA), a flagship program of the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health (AAIUH), earned accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). As one of just six pre-college STEM programs nationwide to achieve this first-of-its-kind credential, HSA is setting a new standard in preparing underrepresented students for careers in health and science.

Since its founding in 1994, HSA has provided transformative afterschool pipeline programs for more than 3,000 students in grades 6 to 12, most of whom are from underrepresented communities. Over 1,000 students have participated in its three-year high school program, which offers immersive, hands-on classes at Downstate. Each year, HSA serves over 250 students. For the 2024-25 academic year, it has admitted 145 high school students from 10 Brooklyn partner schools, bringing its total reach across programs to more than 275 students.

Students in the program engage with college-level subjects like anatomy, physiology, and public health while exploring critical issues such as health disparities, health equity, and ethics. Through labs, research projects, and interactive lessons, HSA equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue advanced education and careers in the health sciences.

Achieving Middle States accreditation required a rigorous process of self-assessment and improvement. Accreditation achievement was possible through HSA’s collaboration with the STEM Pathways for Underrepresented Students to Higher Education (STEM PUSH) Network, part of the National Science Foundation’s INCLUDES Alliance. STEM PUSH focuses on equity in STEM education and advocates for greater recognition of pre-college STEM programs in college admissions, further elevating the impact of HSA’s work.

By partnering with STEM PUSH, AAIUH continues to expand opportunities for Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Indigenous students, inspiring them to thrive in STEM fields. According to Dr. Mary Valmont, Associate Executive Director for Health Science Education at AAIUH, this accreditation paves the way for increased funding, partnerships, and new opportunities for student success in health and science careers.

Congratulations and thanks to Marilyn A. Fraser, M.D., CEO of AAIUH, Mary Valmont, Ph.D., HSA Associate Executive Director of the Health Science Academy, and the entire Institute team for this incredible accomplishment. Your dedication is transforming lives and building a brighter, more equitable future in healthcare education.