IUP Part of Second Annual Healthcare Education and Learning Pathways Event for Area High School Students

Indiana University of Pennsylvania joined area healthcare providers in hosting 43 students and seven teachers from six area high schools for the second annual Healthcare Education and Learning Pathways (HELP) Summer Experience, June 10 and 11.

This program is organized, facilitated, and sponsored by the Armstrong-Indiana Intermediate Unit (ARIN-IU), IUP, and Indiana Regional Medical Center.

The number of students participating in the 2026 event was almost double the number of students participating in the inaugural event in 2025, which drew 22 area high school students.

Students were from Freeport Area School, Homer Center Junior-Senior High School, Indiana Area High School, Marion Center Area High School, Penns Manor Area High School, Purchase Line High School, and River Valley High School. Participating teachers included Desiree Faqua, Will Mikolay, Karen Risinger, Janelle Sanders, Judy Shomo, Michael Thom, and Karen Woods.

There were a total of 40 presenters for the 2026 event representing IUP, IRMC, Citizens' Ambulance Service, and the Indiana County Coroner's Office.

The presentations and demonstrations included hands-on activities in athletic training, biology, emergency medicine, nursing, respiratory care, medical imaging, medical lab sciences, physical therapy, medicolegal services, psychology, speech language pathology, dietetics, nutrition, exercise science, and applying to medical school.

Presenters for this year's program from IUP included Dan Widzowski,Department of Biology; Johanna Boothby and Taylor Edwards,Department of Nursing; Lori Lombard, Jackie Heisler, Jim Racchini, Jess Baum Mehus, Kristi Storti, Leslie Stenger, and Jodie Seybold,Department of Allied Health; Annie Long, Meg Reardon, Bill Farrell, Mark McGowan, and Dave Myers,Department of Psychology; IUP College of Osteopathic Medicine Founding Associate Dean of Pre-Clinical Affairs Luke H. Mortensen, Founding Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Graduate Education Ryan Smith, and Director of Admissions and Student Affairs Jamie Murphy.

Presenters from IRMC included Jackie Sansig and Chris Baum, IRMC Laboratory and Respiratory Services and IUP Medical Laboratory Science program; Scott Dumm, IUP Respiratory Therapy, and Bob McCracken, IRMC Respiratory Therapy manager; Shawna Nibert, IRMC Diagnostic Imaging; Attrennada Albohali, IRMC Dietetics and director of food and nutrition, and Emily Rorabaugh, dietitian intern; Christine Lasser, IRMC Inpatient Physical Therapy manager; IRMC medical technologists Christine Baum and Susan Enciso; Registered Nurse Theresa Claypool; Nurse Practitioner Rheanna Toy; Physician Assistant Melissa Steiner; Resident Physicians Chelsea Grey and Austin Yocum; and IRMC Chief Operating Officer and Mountains Health Chief Human Resources Officer Jim Kinneer.

Presenters from Citizens' Ambulance Service included Tammy Cash and Rod Shabbick. Jerry Overman, Indiana County Coroner, presented from the Indiana County Forensic Center.

Five students from IUP participated as student group leaders.

They are: Bailey Bevington, a master's degree student in IUP's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program from Worthington; Maura Knepper, of Indiana, an Honors Psychology student in the Cook Honors College who is a psychology recruitment volunteer, member of the Catholic Student Association, and volunteers with St. Thomas More University Parish; Thomas Oraskovich, from Homer City, a master's degree student in IUP's Public Affairs program who is a graduate assistant in IUP's Office of Strategic Partnerships and a Writing Center tutor; Caleigh Robb, from Kittanning, an Honors Psychology student, tutor, member of Phi Chi honor society and Undergraduate Summer Opportunities for Applying Research program student; and Shawnee Stear, from Sagamore, a psychology major who is an intern with IRMC Mountains Behavioral Health, works with ICW, is a student orientation ambassador, and a member of Psi Chi honors program and the Psychology Club. Braden Newell, of Shelocta, a biology major with a pre-med track at Bucknell University who works with the Armstrong Water Conservation District, also volunteered as a student group leader.

"The Healthcare Education and Learning Pathways Camp provides high school students with a unique opportunity to explore healthcare careers through meaningful, hands-on experiences," Interim Associate Dean of the IUP College of Health SciencesLisa Newell said. Newell coordinated the 2025 and 2026 HELP Summer Experience.

"By participating in activities that reflect real-world practice, students gain a deeper understanding of the many pathways available to them and the vital role healthcare professionals play in improving the health and well-being of their communities.

"As we face ongoing healthcare workforce shortages in rural regions, it is critically important that students can see themselves in these professions and understand that they can pursue these careers while making a difference close to home. Equally important, HELP Camp helps educators better understand the educational pathways and career opportunities available in healthcare so they can continue to mentor and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

"We are deeply grateful to the many IUP faculty members and academic leaders, IRMC professionals, and community healthcare providers who generously shared their time and expertise to make this experience possible. Their commitment to investing in our students today helps strengthen the healthcare workforce our communities will depend on tomorrow," Newell said.

"Partnerships like HELP Camp are critical to the future of healthcare in our region," Kineeer said. "As an employer, we see firsthand how urgently our communities need skilled, compassionate professionals-and we also know that interest in these careers begins long before college. When high school students can stand beside clinicians, ask questions, and see the impact of these roles up close, it changes what they believe is possible for their own futures.

"Working together with ARIN-IU and IUP allows us to build a true pathway from curiosity to career. It strengthens the local workforce, supports students in finding meaningful purpose, and ensures that the next generation of caregivers is prepared to serve right here at home. That is a commitment we take to heart," he said.

"The Summer HELP Camp exemplifies the power of partnership," ARIN Curriculum Specialist Katie Monsour said. "By bringing together ARIN, IRMC, IUP, educators, and dedicated chaperones, we created meaningful experiences that connected students with healthcare professionals, advanced technology, and real-world career pathways. These opportunities not only broadened students' perspectives but also helped them envision themselves as the future workforce our region needs," Monsour said.

IUP has a dual enrollment program, funded by the Department of Education, in place to support pathways to high-priority occupations in health-related fields: "Student Training and Exploration Program for Health-Related Careers (STEP-HRC)." It focuses on the Armstrong, Apollo Ridge, Freeport, Homer-Center, Indiana Area, Leechburg, Marion Center, Penns Manor Area, Purchase Line, and United school districts.

IUP has secured pre-accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation for its College of Osteopathic Medicine, the only college of osteopathic medicine at a public university in Pennsylvania. IUP is actively recruiting students for the College of Osteopathic Medicine. The first class of students for IUP's College of Osteopathic Medicine will begin studies in fall 2027.

Homer Center Junior-Senior High School

• Kennedy Cook, daughter of Trista Perry.

Freeport Area High School

• Ava Abbott, daughter of Genevieve Crossley and Shawn Crossley. She is a member of Key Club, DECA, and Hive Med.
• Stella Burd, daughter of Mike Burd and Roz Burd. She is a member of Hive Med and Key Club and participates in soccer and track.
• Guerin Edwards, son of Tinesha Cunningham and Matthew Cunningham. He is a member of Hive Med, Key Club, and DECA.
• Aubrey Hess, daughter of Julie Hess and Scott Hess. She is a member of Key Club.
• Alivia Metnick, daughter of Krista Metnick and Dan Metnick. She is a member of varsity lacrosse, Key Club, and Ski Club.
• Lucy Mitchell, daughter of Matthew Mitchell and Caitlin Mitchell. She is a member of Hive Med and Peer Buddies and participates in cross-country.
• Sofia Slanicka, daughter of Jennifer Slanicka and Steven Slanicka. She is a member of Hive Med, Key Club, DECA, and Student Council, and participates in soccer and running.
• Bailey Spinner, daughter of Kelly Spinner and Arliss Spinner. She is a member of Hive Med and Key Club.
• Millie Zacherl-Cornman, daughter of Anna Zacherl-Cornman and Dan Zacherl-Cornman. She is a member of Key Club and is a Girl Scout.

Indiana Area High School

• Olivia Bailey, Indiana, daughter of Lacee Bailey and Ryan Bailey. She is a member of the ICTC Health Occupations Team and is a lifeguard.
• Eliza Carper, daughter of Julena Logue and Nick Logue. She is a member of the ICTC Health Occupations Team and participates in swimming.
• Stella Empfield, daughter of Jamie Empfield and Michael Empfield. She is a member of the ICTC Health Occupations Team and is a junior firefighter at the Indiana Fire Association.
• Abby Falgione, daughter of Dan and Christie Falgione.
• Matilda Fasanya, daughter of Mary Fasanya.
• Elizabeth Griffith, daughter of Susan Manz and Sean Griffith. She is a member of Chief Science Officers, ATHENA Club, Green Bandana Project, IHS Robotics, IHS Swim Team, and YMCA Swim Team, and is a lifeguard for the YMCA.
• Laura Keppich, daughter of Stephanie Keppich and Todd Keppich. She is a member of FBLA, the Key Club, the ATHENA Club, the Green Bandana program, and Cancer Kids First.
• Skyelyn Newell, daughter of Dana Newell and Jay Newell. She is a member of the ICTC Health Occupations Team. She participates in volleyball and lacrosse.
• Josh Palmo, son of Tracy Palmo. He is a member of the ICTC Health Occupations Team, is on the swim team, and is a lifeguard.
• Lilly Puffenbarger, daughter of Jessica Puffenbarger and Ralph Puffenbarger.
• Teresa Wang, daughter of Alex Wang and Quan Tan. She is a volunteer assistant coach for a community learn-to-skate program, is the founder of a community crochet project, and is a tutor.

Marion Center Area High School

• Destiny Bryant, daughter of Tashina Rebovich and Calvin Robovich. She works at Fresh Blendz and participates in volleyball.
• Kira Pacconi, daughter of Jennifer Pacconi and Michael Pacconi. She is a member of the ICTC Health Occupations Team, is a majorette in her high school band, participates in dance, 4-H, and horseback riding, and works at the YMCA.
• Emma Powell, daughter of Daymond Powell and Tina Powell. She participates in basketball.

Penns Manor Area High School

• Elaine Altemus, daughter of Carol Altemus and Eric Altemus. She is a member of National Honor Society, FBLA, SADD, Student Council, Varsity Club, and Prom Committee, and is a class officer. She participates in volleyball and is a dual-enrollment student at Penn Highlands.
• Aubree Hill, daughter of Carey Woods and Jason Hill. She is a member of National Honor Society, FBLA, SADD, Student Council, Spanish Club, and Prom Committee, and is a class officer. She is in the Penn Highlands ACE program.
• Brandi Horvath, daughter of Amanda Horvath and Tim Horvath. She is a member of National Honor Society, FBLA, SADD, Spanish Club, and Prom Committee, and is a class officer. She is in the Penn Highlands associate degree program.
• Allison Lieb, daughter of Jen Lieb and Bernie Lieb. She is a member of FBLA, SADD, Student Council, Quiz Bowl, is a majorette, and participates in the Schools & Scribes program and dance.

River Valley High School

• Lilian Good, daughter of Michelle Good and Adam Good. She is a member of the Marching Band, the band and chorus, River Valley STEAM Academy, and participates in the school musical and soccer.
• Andrea Kravetsky, daughter of Emily Kravetsky and Chris Kravetsky. She is a member of River Valley STEAM Academy, Skills USA, participates in swimming, and is a volunteer at Four Footed Friends.
• Will Thomson.
• Liv Woodley, daughter of Jessica Woodley. She works at her school's concession stand.