RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas – Medical students at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are helping children and teens learn about careers in health care through RISE, a student-led outreach program that combines mentorship with hands-on activities.
RISE, short for Reaching, Inspiring and Supporting Excellence for Youth, has reached more than 150 young people through lessons and demonstrations that have included suturing, ultrasound technology and basic human-body science.
The program began with the goal of helping students who are interested in science and medicine find clear entry points to educational and career opportunities. Its leadership board includes eight UTRGV School of Medicine students, while events are open to medical students across the school.
In June 2025, RISE held the Careers in Care workshop with support from a Texas Medical Association Community Outreach Grant. Nearly 100 high school students and family members attended interactive stations led by students in medicine, nursing, physical therapy and physician assistant studies. In February, the program partnered with the ENT Student Interest Group for a surgery-focused event that introduced participants to intubation, laparoscopy and ultrasound techniques.
Program leaders said they plan to continue Valley outreach and pursue additional events in the coming months.
Source: UTRGV
