The Center for Educational Outreach at Baylor College of Medicine announced on Mar. 10 a partnership with Baylor Scott & White Health and the Temple Independent School District to launch a STEM+M (science, technology, engineering, math and medicine) health professions pathway program for high school students.
This initiative aims to provide students in the region with hands-on learning experiences in health sciences, addressing both educational needs and workforce development. The program is set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year and will offer guidance, resources, and professional development for educators while connecting students with healthcare professionals.
The curriculum will include mentoring from Baylor Scott & White Health staff as well as practical training opportunities such as an annual open house at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple. Freshman and sophomore students will participate in extracurricular activities focused on health and biomedical sciences, while juniors and seniors can engage in shadowing experiences and laboratory tours at various locations throughout the city.
“This pathway is a win for the region. It will strengthen career opportunities for students and expand the local healthcare workforce,” said Dr. Nancy Moreno, chair of the Huffington Department of Education, Innovation and Technology and director of the Center of Educational Outreach at Baylor. Greg Haralson, president of Baylor Scott & White – Central Texas Region, said: “Training the medical professionals of the future is at the heart of our mission at Baylor Scott & White, and we are energized by the opportunity to collaborate with Baylor College of Medicine and Temple ISD on this important effort.”
Dr. Jesus Vallejo, regional dean of the Baylor College of Medicine Temple Campus, said: “This collaboration with Temple ISD creates a meaningful opportunity that can shape students’ futures. The pathway will help students identify their strengths, build confidence and take practical steps toward careers in healthcare.” Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of schools at Temple ISD added: “This localized pipeline will train generations of students and supply high-quality healthcare providers in the future. Parents and students are going to be excited about this localized option for healthcare preparedness.”
The new pathway joins similar programs already implemented across Texas in Midland ISD; select campuses in Corpus Christi ISD; Stafford Municipal School District; Houston ISD’s Baylor College of Medicine Academy at James D. Ryan Middle School; Biotech Academy at Rusk Middle School; and Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions.
Baylor College of Medicine contributes to community service as one of its core missions according to its official website. The college functions independently while engaging in clinical partnerships according to its official website. As an independent health sciences university, it focuses on advancing research, education, patient care, and community service according to its official website. Paul Klotman holds roles as president, chief executive officer, and executive dean according to its official website. The institution collaborates in environments that promote integrated health sciences according to its official website, providing education across its schools while advancing biomedical research through partnerships according to its official website.
