Roots to Wings Program Launches with Successful Opening Event

The Yakima School District’s CTE and GEAR UP Program, along with Pacific Northwest University (PNWU), has successfully launched the "Roots to Wings" program. This initiative inspires and educates students through hands-on experiences, providing a clear pathway for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
 
The program kicked off on October 15 with an exciting opening ceremony for students. The event featured presentations from special guests, including Dr. Lisa Siino, a former program mentor and current member of the PNWU Board of Trustees, and Dr. Christian Heck, who shared his experiences conducting fossil digs in Montana.

Students met in small groups, which included peers from other local districts, all led by volunteer student doctors from PNWU. They also completed a scavenger hunt to locate important safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, AEDs, and phones.

Looking ahead, students will attend twice-monthly sessions featuring peer mentoring, lectures, and labs related to various medical fields. Students have already participated in engaging sessions on human anatomy and DNA exploration. These programs offer students the opportunity to explore healthcare careers through hands-on STEM activities.

Upcoming sessions include topics such as brain dissections using sheep brains and lifesaving skills, including CPR certification. Students will also experience high-tech simulation labs where they will practice clinical skills like taking vital signs, performing physical exams, and using medical equipment.

 

Additional sessions will cover dental care, emergency medical skills like splinting and bandaging, and rehabilitation techniques with occupational and physical therapy focuses. The program will wrap up with a closing ceremony on April 29, 2026.

Yakima School District and its partners are proud to offer this program, connecting local students with exciting opportunities in the healthcare industry.

This story aligns with Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan: to provide equitable opportunity to achieve core mastery & critical thinking. To learn more about our strategic plan, visit ysd7.org/strategicplan.