Monday, March 30, 2026
Rural high school students explore healthcare paths at CVTC
High school students from rural communities throughout west-central Wisconsin got a firsthand look at healthcare education through hands-on activities, simulation experiences and virtual reality during CVTC’s Sim Camp, recently.
A recent hands-on learning experience at Chippewa Valley Technical College gave rural high school students a closer look at healthcare careers and a chance to picture themselves in one.
With help from the federal EduSTAT Grant, CVTC’s simulation camp welcomed students from rural schools throughout west-central Wisconsin. Students from Colfax, Cornell, Gilman, and Lake Holcombe attended, representing grades 9-12 and sharing an interest in healthcare careers.
Throughout the day, students stepped into immersive clinical scenarios using high-fidelity simulators and virtual reality technology, giving them a firsthand look at what healthcare education can feel like at CVTC. Working alongside faculty and staff, they explored skills and situations they may encounter in nursing, emergency services, respiratory care, and other healthcare fields.
“The event was designed to make healthcare training more accessible to students in rural communities while helping them better understand their options after high school,” said Amanda Norberg, CVTC Rural Outreach Coordinator.
The impact was clear. In post-event evaluations, every student reported learning more about healthcare careers and said their interest in healthcare increased after attending. Students also described the event as highly engaging, showing the value of interactive, career-focused experiences. In addition, after the event, 89 percent of participants identified CVTC as a primary post-secondary option.
The day also included support from North Central AHEC of Wisconsin, which provided lunch and shared information about opportunities available to students interested in healthcare pathways.
To cap off the experience, the CVTC Foundation awarded each participating student a $500 scholarship, helping support their future educational goals.
The Sim Camp marked an important milestone for the EduSTAT Grant’s mission of expanding access and opportunity for students in rural communities while helping build the future healthcare workforce.
