Find K-12 Programs

Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering program

The ASE Program provides a full-time summer internship experiences to 9-11th grade students beginning with free workshops on cover letter writing and interview skills training. Successful applicants are selected by ASE mentors and gain professional experience while working as interns with mentor professionals from industry, university, non-profit and government agencies. Applications due in March, see ASE Application Instructions for requirements and information on how to apply.

Brain Awareness activities

The brain controls everything we think, do, and feel. You are invited to come learn more about how it learns, remembers, sleeps ... and ponders the mysteries of the opposite sex. Each year, we offer lectures, a brain fair, and events for kids and in the classroom.

Ted R. Lilley Cancer CURE Program

The Ted R. Lilley Continuing Umbrella of Research Education (CURE) Intern Program is a research mentorship training program supported by the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and the OHSU Center for Diversity and Inclusion. It is designed to offer research experiences to Portland area high school students that excel academically and come from socially and economically disadvantaged background. The goals of this program are to give hands-on research experience, science exposure and to increase participation of underserved and minority students in biomedical research and other health-related fields. Learn more about the Cure Program.

Dangerous Decibels program

Since 1999, Dangerous Decibels has been a public health campaign designed to reduce the incidence and prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears, which is an early indicator of hearing loss) by changing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

The Dangerous Decibels activities include:

  • An educator resource guide – 63-page booklet full of background information about hearing and classroom activities
  • An educator training workshop that teaches how to present the Dangerous Decibels 45-minute classroom program
  • a museum exhibition at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland
  • OMSI Outreach programs to schools in the Pacific Northwest
  • research projects on epidemiology of noise-induced hearing loss and methods of noise-induced hearing loss
  • a website (www.dangerousdecibels.org) that includes information on hearing and noise induced hearing loss, effectiveness and epidemiological research projects and results, free downloadable educator resources, a Virtual Exhibit with eight interactive activities, educator training workshops, "Jolene" (a mannequin with sound level meter in her ear), and an online store.

The program was built upon an innovative collaboration between basic science researchers, museum educators, school teachers, students, civic leaders, and volunteers in a unique public/private partnership. Partners have included the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), American Tinnitus Association, National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, University of Northern Colorado, Portland State University, Marion Downs Hearing Center, OHSU's Oregon Prevention Research Center (Center for Healthy Communities), National Hearing Conservation Association, and American Academy of Audiology.

Dental Exploring Program

OHSU’s Dental Exploring Program provides participants with a general perception of what a career in dentistry is all about. Participating high school students have been very enthusiastic about their experience, and many of them have successfully matriculated to dental school. Monthly two-hour meetings are held at the dental school with an emphasis on "hands-on" activities. The first hour is composed of a lecture from dental school faculty from a variety of disciplines, while the second hour is a laboratory experience. Dental students organize the monthly meetings and act as mentors. Space is limited to sixty participants and is reserved on a first come, first serve basis. A complete application, consent forms and $50 fee must be on file to reserve a space. Program begins early November, see http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-dentistry/prospective-students/exploration-programs.cfm for requirements and contact information.

Let's Get Healthy!

Education and research program from Oregon Health & Science University that travels around the state to help the public learn about their health.

Oregon AHEC Programs

Oregon AHEC is a partnership between OHSU and five regional centers. Please visit center websites for programs in your county.

  • Oregon AHEC Program Office
  • Cascades East AHEC
    • CEAHEC is hosted by the St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon. This Center serves Central and Southeastern Oregon (approximately 33,000 square miles), and includes the counties of Crook, Deschutes, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Lake, Klamath, and the Warm Springs Community in Wasco County.
      www.cascadeseast.org
  • Oregon Pacific
    • OPAHEC is hosted by the Samaritan Health System in Lincoln City, Oregon. This Center serves communities along the Oregon Coast and along the I-5 Corridor, including the counties of Benton, Clatsop, Columbia, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook and Yamhill.
      www.opahec.org
  • Northeast Oregon AHEC
    • NEOAHEC is located on the campus of Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Oregon. This Center serves communities located in the counties of Baker, Gilliam, Hood River, Morrow, Sherman, Union, Umatilla, Wallowa, Wheeler and Malheur.
      www.neoahec.org
  • AHEC of Southwest Oregon
    • AHECSW is located in Roseburg, with the center providing services to the counties of Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine and Jackson, and area of approximately 17,000 square miles.
      www.HealthyOregon.com
  • Oregon Healthcare Workforce Institute (OHWI)
    • OHWI is located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. This center provides the essential element of workforce development data to AHEC and serves Columbia, Washington and Clackamas county.
      www.oregonhwi.org

Oregon National Primate Research Center

Tours

The ONPRC welcomes elementary and middle school students aged 10 and older; high school groups; students from colleges/universities; civic groups and other organizations;and members of the general public on tours that are designed for the special needs of each group in mind. Depending on group size and interest, tours may feature an interactive presentation about science methods, a presentation about current center research projects, a visit to the outdoor corrals to observe the Center's rhesus and Japanese macaque breeding colonies, a presentation by a Center scientist, and or/tours of selected labs (available for groups of 18 or fewer, ages 16 and older).

All tours are free of change, and provide an opportunity to learn more about the role of nonhuman primates in biomedical research and to observe nonhuman primate behavior. Minimum group size 10.

Science Ambassador Program (for high school students and 5th graders)

This program provides opportunities for high school students to learn about cutting-edge science while developing their leadership skills. High school students meet weekly throughout the school year. They learn about science from Primate Center researchers, and develop and implement hands-on activities relating to important science concepts to share with the 5th grader "mentees" who join the group twice a month.

Applications due in the fall of each year.

For more information about K-12 opportunities at Oregon National Primate Research Center, contact Diana Gordon by phone (503) 346-5055 or by email: gordondi@ohsu.edu.

Partnership for Scientific Inquiry

The Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI) program is designed to allow Portland area high school students the opportunity to experience scientific research. High school sophomores and juniors are invited to apply. The program provides a dynamic learning environment to explore the scientific inquiry process and pairs students with OHSU faculty mentors. Students prepare a research proposal that describes work which could be done in the mentor's lab over the ensuing summer (students must be 16 to participate in summer research). Please note this program meets during the second academic semester (Feb-June) and students may continue in the summer to conduct research with their mentor. High school credit can be obtained for participation in this challenging program. During the semester, PSI meets every Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on the OHSU waterfront campus. The program is rigorous with weekly homework as well as written and oral presentations. For more information, please visit our website PSI program or email us at .

Saturday Academy programs

Saturday Academy offers hands-on, in-depth classes and camps for student in grades 2-12. Classes are taught by community experts in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts. In addition, we offer internships to high school students in science and engineering through our Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering program; we bring SA classes to local schools through our Saturday Academy to You program; and we teach technology and programming to girls through our Girls Engage Technology program. Financial aid and tuition assistance are available. For more information or to register for classes, please visit Saturday Academy or call 503-200-5858.

Science Education Opportunities (multiple programs)

OHSU's Office of Science Education Opportunities (SEO) was formed in February 2002. This office serves the community and OHSU employees as we work to develop and mobilize OHSU's unique resources to increase science literacy throughout the region. Our primary audiences are K - 12 teachers and students and OHSU faculty, students and staff.

ThinkFirst Oregon programs

Through innovative classroom presentations and course work, Think First's programs are designed to help young children and teens develop lifelong safety habits to minimize their risk of sustaining brain, spinal cord or other traumatic injuries. Most importantly, Think First teaches young people ways to avoid behaviors and situations that put them at risk. Our message is that you can enjoy a fun, exciting life and be safe if you "think first" and use your mind to protect your body.

UCEDD Summer Internship Program (SIP)

Held every summer, the UCEDD Summer Internship Program provides opportunities for high school or early college students to gain experience in the disability field, develop transferrable skills, and learn about various career paths in health care. Interns will receive training on disability theory, practice, and advocacy, as well as support and guidance in career planning and networking. Interns will work 15-20 hours per week on a project at one of the Institute on Development and Disability centers, gaining experience in research, education, training, and dissemination. After developing their own personal goals for the internship, interns will participate in activities that align with their career interests such as informational interviews, clinical shadowing, Grand Rounds, and other OHSU activities. Interns will also participate in group tours and field trips to OHSU labs, clinics, and facilities.

This internship is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care, specifically with a focus on disability. The following students are strongly encouraged to apply:

  • Students who experience a disability
  • Students with siblings or family members who experience a disability
  • Students from historically underrepresented populations in the health and science professions
  • Students from socially and economically disadvantaged populations

The UCEDD SIP is a paid opportunity and runs June 13 – August 8, 2016. Applications will be available in late December 2015 and are due January 31, 2016. More information, including a link to the application, can be accessed here.