WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

10:00am PDT

“You Can’t Be What You Can’t See”: Expanding Career Awareness in Rural Communities

Sunday August 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am PDT

This presentation explores the WSU Health Sciences Mentorship Program, a rural-focused initiative grounded in the belief that “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Launched in 2019, the program builds STEM and career identity beginning in grades 7–8 through early, sustained, and inclusive mentorship. Serving 11 rural districts, it offers a scalable framework for recruiting, training, and retaining mentors; engaging families; expanding awareness of high‑demand health careers; and measuring success beyond credentials to strengthen rural healthcare pathways.

Speakers

Jessica Gerdes

Manager, Outreach and Mentorship, WSU College of Medicine

Jessica Gerdes is the Manager of Outreach and Mentorship at the Washington State University College of Medicine. Since 2016, she has focused on engaging youth in rural schools and building pathways into health science careers. While presenting in Addy, Washington in 2017, the need... Read More →