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Health Careers Engagement Toolkit

Strategies to Engage Males in Health Careers

The Health Careers Engagement Toolkit is a collection of free recruitment materials, activities, and strategies that can be used to engage high school students in healthcare career pathways. There is a particular focus on strategies to engage males in health careers. You will find information about presentation and panel planning resources, mentorship models, strategies to address bias and stereotypes and to build identity, and activity and program resources. The site is designed for high school teachers and counselors. Click on each section below for access.

Toolkit Goals for Educators and Counselors:
 

  • Proficiency in marketing and outreach strategies for diverse youth populations.
  • Ability to successfully implement activities to the targeted population.

Toolkit Goals for Youth Participants, with a Focus on Males:
 

  • Increased awareness of health career opportunities.
  • Improved preparedness for college and career pathways.
  • Increased awareness of financial aid and scholarships.
  • Greater engagement of males in all health careers and non-traditional health fields, thereby reducing gender disparities in healthcare professions.
Foundational Elements and Addressing Stereotypes

Identity Development and Self-Efficacy

Student making a frame with handsIn this section, there are a few ideas on how to support students in this stage of developing identities and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is a concept introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura that refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to succeed in a given situation (Lopez-Garrido, 2025). High self-efficacy has been linked to increased resilience and motivation, improved personal and educational achievement, and more. Below are a few ideas on how to improve these skills in your students and, in turn, build them up into the best future health professionals they can be.

Example activities and ideas to help students explore their strengths, interests, and career aspirations
 

1. Lead a fun and engaging session where students take a career and personality assessment, then reflect on the results. They can explore how well the outcomes align with their personal strengths and career goals—discussing whether the results feel accurate, in what ways they do or don’t, and what might be different. Example assessments include:

  • Holland Code Test
  • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
  • Career Explorer Test

2. Create a worksheet, asking students questions relating to their strengths, interests, and career aspirations. ChatGPT is a good resource; it can help you create a worksheet and customize it to your liking.

3. For schools with a HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter, look out for HOSA webinars. Registered students and advisors receive emails with different opportunities from HOSA to hear from individuals and groups in various health professions. Webinars are usually in the evenings and on zoom and sometimes posted in advance, which allows for planning ahead and flexibility. If your school does not have a HOSA chapter, this could be an opportunity to explore. Here's a link on how to start a WI HOSA chapter in your school.

4. Other examples: Career exploration activities and "Day in the Life" Project

Explore growth mindset vs. fixed mindset in health professions
 

Many of us approach things with a mindset that either we can or can't. This mindset is called a fixed mindset, and it can only take us so far. On the other hand, a growth mindset allows us the space to be gracious with ourselves when we do not know and recognize that over time we can learn.

Fixed vs. Growth mindset graphic

1. Below is an example of a fun way you can introduce growth vs. fixed mindset with your students and start having conversations with them about it.

The Impossible Game

2. Set out growth mindset coloring pages for a more chill/less time-bound activity. Coloring is also a cool way to introduce mindfulness. Free printable coloring pages.

3. Reflect on growth mindset stories. There are always articles on how health professionals both in your community and statewide are impacting healthcare. You can incorporate reading these stories and reflecting on how resilience is portrayed during class or in meetings. Example story: HOSA News Spotlight.

Encourage self-reflection through goal setting and journaling
 

1. Goal Setting

  • Students can set individual and team goals. For example, at the first HOSA Chapter meeting or health careers club, the group can work on team goals.
  • Place agreed goals in a spot where the students are always coming across it.
  • It is important to place these goals at a spot students can see because they can always report on progress and it can always make for conversation around goal setting, reflecting on progress and empowering students to know that since they’ve done it as a group they can always try it by themselves.

2. Journaling

  • Reach out to potential guest speakers (could be someone in your school too) that can teach the students about journaling and other motivational/self-care tips (counselors, social workers are some examples of potential guest speakers); great opportunity for collaboration. Keep in mind that it is important to invite a variety of guest speakers with different experiences and backgrounds

Addressing Stereotypes and Bias to Create Supportive Learning Environments

We all have biases and stereotypes, and it's important that we are intentional about addressing them. Gender stereotypes can influence career choices, and in this section, we'll explore some ways you can begin helping your students recognize, understand, and address both their own biases and those of others. The goal is to create supportive learning environments that encourage students to push past limits and reach their full potential.

Start by recognizing your biases and stereotypes
 

In the June 2025 Wisconsin Non-Traditional Occupations Focus Group Summary Report conducted by Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), male participants encourage breaking gender stereotypes and said that there should be more emphasis that helping is for everyone.

While recognizing stereotypes and biases is helpful, it shouldn't be one and done. It is a good starting point in igniting important conversations about what can be done differently to ensure lasting change.

These are great activities for both students and facilitators (teachers, advisors, mentors, etc.).

1. Invite a guest speaker to give a training. This can also be a field trip opportunity. Example organization: Courageous Conversations.

2. You can take the Implicit Association Test (IAT) or any other reliable test of your choice with your students. Here are short sample videos to get the conversation going.

Create an inclusive curriculum that highlights diverse professionals in health careers
 

1. A study highlights that actively challenging the perception of psychology as a "women's field"—by showcasing successful male psychologists and emphasizing the diverse roles within the profession—can help break down gender-based stereotypes. See article.

2. From the pictures you include in your PowerPoints, to the example career you display and case scenarios, the little things matter. As you create lesson plans and plan meetings, try to do your best to be as inclusive as possible.

3. Perhaps you have a set of questions you go through as you plan classroom activities, panels, and more. (Example questions: Did the template I use include different skin tones? Are multiple genders represented? Are non-traditional careers represented?)

Encourage courageous conversations to create safe spaces for discussions on equity and representation in healthcare
 

1. Provide articles or newsletters or show videos that students can read or watch and then discuss: Remind students that there is no right or wrong way to have these conversations. Encourage them to think critically and remind them of group norms—such as showing respect, actively listening without interrupting, and staying open-minded. Help them enjoy the process of breaking down ideas, finding areas of agreement, and respectfully disagreeing. Since these conversations are designed for students who are emerging health professionals, even if a video or article isn’t directly related to healthcare, try to circle the discussion back to how the topic connects to health or can be applied in a healthcare context.

2. Host a book club: Have your students vote on a book of their choice (perhaps one relating to increasing representation or from a health perspective) and read it with them. Help them create a reading timeline/goal--Do they want to read it over a month/semester/academic year. How would they like to get together to reflect on what they are learning from the book? This is a great way to create a safe space while also improving reading and discussion skills.

If your students aren’t there yet, that's okay. Habits often start small. A simple starting point could be having your students choose a few of their favorite children's books. Throughout the semester, take time to go through the books together—read as a group and reflect at the beginning of class/meetings for 5–15 minutes. Remember, consistency is key!

3. Invite health care professionals in your area to participate in a panel.

People genuinely want to share their stories and empower others—they're often just waiting to be invited.

When organizing a panel, be intentional and try to ensure there's a balance of perspectives. Aim for panelists who bring diverse experiences to the table. For example, a panel made up entirely of female nurses with similar career paths may not offer the variety of insights to students or help them recognize the diversity within healthcare.

4. Allow students to share their experiences.

The June 2025 Wisconsin Non-Traditional Occupations Focus Group Summary Report conducted by Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) highlights that one barrier to male student participation is the discomfort they often feel in female-dominated spaces. Creating opportunities for students to share experiences like this can help them feel less alone, more seen and understood. It also allows groups to recognize where there isn’t representation and to develop empathy for one another.

Experiential Learning and Career Exploration

Health career exploration lessons

These activities aim to increase interest in and pursuit of a career in health for all young people. By showing them the multitude of careers in health, they may be able to see which career would be a good match for them.

Health career exploration activities
 

Lab experiments and health science career projects
 

  • Science Resources | Education.com This page offers over 4,000 teacher-curated materials, including worksheets, lesson plans, diagrams, games, and hands-on activities covering topics like physical, life, earth and space, engineering inquiry, and computer science for K-12 students.
  • Comprehensive Health Challenges Curriculum for High School Students | KidsHealth Classroom. Free educator-ready lesson plans, quizzes, handouts, and activities covering key topics like substance use, emotional health, infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and diet-related issues. Designed to help high school students understand how the body can be affected when things go wrong.
  • High School Human Biology and Health Science Experiments | Science Buddies. A diverse collection of hands-on, curriculum-aligned science fair projects and STEM activities—from modeling lungs and stethoscopes to DNA extraction and heart rate monitoring—designed to engage teens in exploring human physiology, disease, and health topics.

Health career pathways and internships

When high schoolers express interest in health careers, these opportunities can give them a head start with getting certifications, licenses, and skills for their future career in health.

Health career programs offering certifications
 

Job shadowing and volunteer opportunities in health careers
 

  • Observer and Job Shadow Opportunities – Children's Wisconsin. Children's Wisconsin offers high school and healthcare students the chance to observe professionals in various clinical settings.
  • Job Shadow & Observer Experience – Froedtert Health. This program offers individuals aged 16 and older the opportunity to observe healthcare professionals at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin. Participants can gain insights into various medical roles and departments, enhancing their understanding of healthcare careers.
  • Center for Healthcare Careers of Southeast Wisconsin (CHCSEW) a collaborative, employer-led initiative offering no-cost training programs, job connector events like the MAAPET medical assistant pathway, and high school-to-healthcare opportunities to build a diverse, skilled workforce in Southeast Wisconsin.
  • Volunteer Opportunities at Mayo Clinic Health System – La Crosse. Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse invites individuals aged 16 and older to contribute as volunteers across various roles, including patient transport, hospice support, and information assistance. The program offers valuable experience for high school and college students, with application periods for summer, fall, and spring clearly outlined.

Engagement activities

Use surveys to engage students to identify your students' interest in health careers. In addition, utilizing real life scenarios, role playing, and simulations can make a big impact on students seeing themselves in a health science career.

Real-world health simulations and role-playing activities
 

  • 7 Real-World Healthcare Activities & Projects – iCEV. iCEV offers seven hands-on activities designed to immerse health science students in realistic healthcare scenarios. These projects aim to enhance students' practical skills and understanding of healthcare professions.

Interest surveys and assessments on student interest in health career activities
 

Real life scenario activities in health care
 

  • Body Interact: Virtual Patient Simulation for High School & CTE. Body Interacts virtual patient simulation for high school and CTE programs, offering immersive clinical reasoning practice with free trials available and even a complimentary COVID-19 online course so students can explore virtual cases at no cost before committing.

Resources and contacts

These resources are for field trips and connecting students to mentorships, internships, and scholarships that will help support their interest in health careers. You'll find contacts here for health professionals to build connections.

Mentors and health professionals
 

Internships and field trips
 

Scholarships and funds for health science
 

  • Scholarships for Milwaukee High School Students – UWM Financial Aid. A curated list of scholarship opportunities specifically for Milwaukee-area high school students, detailing eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application deadlines to support local students pursuing higher education.
  • College Scholarship Opportunities – Health Career Collaborative. A variety of scholarship options and financial aid guidance offered through the Health Career Collaborative, aimed at supporting students. Especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities as they pursue college degrees in healthcare by highlighting programs like Pell Grants, African American and Hispanic scholarships, and targeted healthcare awards.
  • 55 Best Education Grants for Teachers & Schools – We Are Teachers. 55 education grants from STEM, literacy, and arts funding to classroom technology. Organizations like Toshiba America Foundation, American Chemical Society, DonorsChoose, NEA, and more, detailing award amounts, deadlines, and eligibility to help teachers secure funding for student-centered, project-based learning.

Other resources for coordinating health career activities
 

Mentorship and Role Models

Mentorship and exposure to role models are powerful components of pathway programs. These relationships provide guidance, motivation, and real-world insight into health careers, especially for students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds. When students connect with mentors who reflect their identities or career aspirations, they gain confidence and clarity in their career plans.

Why Mentorship Matters

  • Increases awareness and access. Many students don’t realize the range of career options in health. Mentors demystify job roles and educational requirements, making the health field more approachable. They also help students identify realistic and attainable career paths, often right in their own communities.
  • Clarifies goals and builds accountability. Mentors can help students identify their long-term goals and break them down into actionable steps. They can also help students recognize gaps in their knowledge and develop strategies to address them. By checking in regularly, they can keep students on track and motivated.
  • Offers practical insight. Mentors share stories from their own journeys, so they can offer real-world advice. This also highlights both traditional and non-traditional paths into health careers.
  • Provides encouragement. Many students entering health careers experience imposter syndrome. Mentors offer emotional support, helping students build confidence in their abilities and reminding them that they belong in these spaces. This support can be especially important during challenging transitions like applying to college, taking difficult science courses, or preparing for standardized tests.
  • Expands networks and opportunities. Through mentorship, students gain access to new people, programs, and opportunities they might not find on their own. These connections may even lead to internships, job shadowing, scholarships, or letters of recommendation. This early professional networking can be especially impactful for students with limited exposure to the health field.

Types of Mentorship Models

  • One-on-one mentoring. A traditional, personalized model where a mentor and mentee build a direct, long-term relationship
    • Benefits: trust, tailored guidance, flexible pacing
    • Best for: students needing individual support and personal goal setting
  • Group mentoring. One or more mentors work with a group of mentees, often through structured sessions. This model includes panels, speaker series, workshops, and roundtable discussions.
    • Benefits: peer learning, exposure to multiple experiences, efficient use of mentor time
    • Best for: broad career exploration, community building
  • Peer and near-peer mentoring. High school students are mentored by college students, graduate students, or young professionals who have recently navigated similar pathways.
    • Benefits: relatable guidance, less intimidating
    • Best for: demystifying transitions, fostering relatability
  • Virtual mentoring. Mentorship takes place through video calls, emails, or messaging platforms, often using structured tools or apps.
    • Benefits: greater reach (especially for rural or underserved students), schedule flexibility
    • Best for: programs with geographic constraints or time-limited professionals
  • Flash or speed mentoring. Short, focused mentoring sessions often during events, where students meet multiple mentors briefly.
    • Benefits: high exposure, low commitment, networking practice
    • Best for: conferences, career days, introductory events
  • Embedded or informal mentoring. Mentorship that naturally forms during activities like internships, clinical shadowing, or student organizations.
    • Benefits: organic relationships, real-time guidance
    • Best for: students who are already engaged in health-related experiences
  • Community-based mentoring. Mentors come from students' own neighborhoods or cultural communities. This can include local health providers, alumni, community health workers, and others.
    • Benefits: builds trust, reflects local realities, increases cultural relevance
    • Best for: underserved or underrepresented students, place-based programs, early career exposure

Many successful programs blend multiple models to meet the diverse needs of students. This layered approach helps ensure every student finds the support style that works best for them. For example:

  • A structured one-on-one pairing combined with monthly group panels
  • Peer mentoring during the school year followed by a virtual summer mentorship
  • Flash mentoring as an entry point leading to longer-term connections

Implementation Strategies for Schools and Programs

Creating a meaningful mentorship program doesn't require a huge budget, just thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and clear goals. Here are strategies to help you implement or enhance mentorship within your pathway program.

Establish clear goals and outcomes
 

  • Define what you want the mentorship program to achieve (i.e. college readiness, exposure to health careers, identity affirmation, etc.)
  • Align mentorship activities with student needs and program objectives
  • Tip: use surveys or focus groups with students to help shape your goals

Identify and recruit mentors
 

  • Partner with local hospitals, clinics, universities (student organizations like AMSA and SNMA may also be valuable sources), community health organizations (i.e. Area Health Education Centers), and alumni
  • Prioritize mentors from diverse backgrounds and professions
  • Tip: don’t overlook nontraditional mentors (i.e. EMTs, medical assistants, technicians, therapists, public health workers, etc.)

Prepare and support mentors
 

  • Offer orientation or training on effective mentoring, youth development, cultural context, and goals of your mentorship program
  • Provide mentor toolkits with sample discussion prompts, boundaries, and expectations specific to your program
  • Tip: share success stories and testimonials from past mentors to motivate new recruits

Match thoughtfully
 

  • Consider shared interests, career goals, communication styles, and lived experiences
  • Allow mentees to give some input on their preferences (i.e. survey, mentor profiles, etc.)
  • Tip: when in doubt, start with group mentoring before assigning one-on-one matches

Structure the experience
 

  • Create a schedule with regular check-ins, group events, and/or guided activities
  • Provide themes for each session (i.e. "College and Career Planning," "Finding Your Voice in Health," etc.)
  • Encourage goal setting early on with space to revisit and revise
  • Tip: keep it flexible—some mentors and mentees may thrive with looser formats

Foster a culture of belonging
 

  • Reinforce that all students have something valuable to offer and have a place in health
  • Normalize asking for help and learning from mistakes
  • Offer certificates or digital badges for mentors and mentees to recognize their participation and growth
  • Tip: mentorship can be embedded into existing programs that already have inclusive values like HOSA or career exploration days

Monitor, evaluate, and adjust
 

  • Use feedback forms, reflection journals, or short surveys to assess impact
  • Check in with mentors and mentees to ensure relationships are healthy and productive
  • Be ready to adjust structure, pairings, or activities based on feedback
  • Tip: mentorship programs are often trying to impact knowledge, attitudes, and/or behaviors, so evaluation strategies should focus on these

Tools and Resources

Examples and templates
 

Mentorship Toolkits
 

These are just some of the many excellent mentorship toolkits available online!

Background information and resources
 

Mentor Resources and Stories
 

Community and School-Based Support

School and community partnerships are very important in introducing high school students to health careers. These partnerships provide real-world learning experiences, expose students to different career paths, and can increase their interest and engagement in the health field.

Partnering with healthcare and academic institutions

Engaging hospitals, clinics, and universities is a powerful strategy for expanding high school students' exposure to health careers. These institutions offer real-world insights, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences that ignite students' passion for healthcare professions. By building partnerships with local healthcare providers and academic institutions, schools can create immersive learning experiences that go beyond the classroom—helping students envision themselves in meaningful, future-oriented roles.

This section of the toolkit provides practical guidance for initiating and sustaining collaborations with hospitals, clinics, and universities. It outlines strategies for outreach, highlights successful partnership models, and offers templates and tools to streamline communication and planning. Whether you're just beginning to explore these partnerships or looking to deepen existing relationships, this section will equip you with the resources needed to create impactful, career-connected learning opportunities for your students.

Initiating and sustaining partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and universities can significantly enrich a high school's educational offerings, especially in areas like health sciences, STEM, and career readiness. Here's a structured approach a high school teacher can take:

Initiating partnerships
 

  • Identify goals and needs
    • Define what you want from the partnership (e.g., internships, guest lectures, research opportunities)
    • Align these goals with your curriculum and students' interests
    • Research Potential Partners
      • Look for local hospitals, clinics, and universities with outreach or education departments.
      • Identify individuals such as community liaisons, department heads, or alumni who work there.
  • Make the first contact
  • Start small
    • Propose manageable initiatives like:
      • Guest speaker sessions
      • Field trips
      • Virtual Q&A panels
      • Job-shadowing opportunities

Sustaining partnerships
 

  • Maintain regular communication
    • Schedule periodic check-ins (quarterly or biannually).
    • Share updates on student outcomes and program impact.
  • Show appreciation
    • Send thank-you notes from students and staff.
    • Highlight partners in newsletters or on social media.
  • Involve students
    • Have students present what they've learned to partners.
    • Encourage students to participate in planning and feedback.
  • Formalize the relationship
    • Develop memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to clarify roles and expectations. Template MOU
    • Apply for joint grants or funding opportunities.
  • Expand and Evolve

Tips for long-term success
 

  • Be consistent and reliable in your commitments.
  • Celebrate milestones and successes together.
  • Stay informed about your partners’ changing needs and priorities.

Examples of successful partnerships
 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). (2004). Colleagues in caring: Regional collaboratives for nursing workforce development. Retrieved November 24, 2008.

Institute for Education Sciences. 2018, October 18. "Ready for the Future: Career Preparation in Rural Communities." Retrieved July 17, 2025.

MDRC. (n.d.). Blog: "Male academic performance and the promise of career and technical education." Accessed July 17, 2025.

Mentoring.org. (2019). Career mentoring toolkit. Accessed July 17, 2025.

Alexander, C., & Fraser, J. (2001). "The promotion of health careers to high school students in the New England health area: The views of high school careers advisers." Australian Journal of Rural Health 9, 145-149.

ECU Health. (2023, March 15). "Hands-on experience gives high schoolers a look at their health sciences education." Accessed July 17, 2025.

Partnering with community-based organizations on community service projects that expose students to healthcare careers and concepts.

Engaging students in meaningful community service projects is a powerful way to introduce them to health careers, and to foster civic responsibility and real-world learning. This section of the toolkit focuses on building partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs) to co-create service opportunities that are both impactful and educational. By collaborating with trusted local partners, schools can design projects that not only address community health needs but also immerse students in healthcare concepts, roles, and environments. These experiences help demystify the health field, spark interest in health professions, and build essential skills such as empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving.

This toolkit provides practical guidance, templates, and examples to help educators and program leaders initiate and sustain these partnerships effectively.

What is Service-Learning?
 

Learning is an educational approach that combines community service with academic study. It allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems while simultaneously addressing community needs. It's a form of experiential education where students engage in activities that benefit the community, allowing them to deepen their understanding of course content through structured reflection.

Service-Learning Resources
 

Templates
 

Service-Learning Examples
 

Resource Accessibility and Schools as a Resource Hub

Schools play a pivotal role in guiding students toward meaningful futures in healthcare. By offering career counseling, scholarship guidance, access to exploration tools, and strong support networks, schools can help students navigate the complex path toward health professions with confidence and clarity. This section of the toolkit highlights how schools can serve as launchpads for student success in health careers.

Delivering effective career counseling that aligns students' interests with healthcare pathways.
 

It is important that career counseling aligns students’ interests with healthcare pathways.

Connecting students to scholarships and financial aid resources makes postsecondary education more accessible
 

  • Refer to the toolkit section on "Experiential Learning and Career Exploration: Scholarship and funds for health science."

Connecting students to health career awareness programs at area health care organizations and universities, or colleges
 

Ensuring access to high-quality tools and online platforms that support career exploration and skill development
 

Building support networks—including mentors, peer groups, and community partners—that sustain student motivation and belonging
 

Male Student Engagement in Healthcare Pathways

In this section, you'll find marketing and outreach resources, activities, program frameworks, and other resources to promote and engage high school males in health careers.

High school boys interested in healthcare careers should focus on developing a mix of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and hands-on experience. Here are some key areas to consider:

  • Science and Math Proficiency – Strong foundations in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and algebra are essential for medical studies.
  • Technical and Hands-On Experience – Participating in internships or healthcare-related extracurricular activities can provide real-world exposure.
  • Empathy and Compassion – Understanding patients' emotions and providing support is a vital part of healthcare.
  • Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking – Diagnosing conditions and making quick decisions are crucial in medical settings.
  • Communication Skills – Healthcare professionals must clearly explain medical information and listen attentively to patients.

Why Recruiting More Males into Healthcare Careers Matters
 

"The shortage of male health care professionals isn't just a matter of numbers; it has real implications for patient care. Many male patients, particularly adolescents and older men, may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive health issues with a male provider. The lack of male nurses, physician assistants, and doctors in certain specialties could lead to gaps in care and missed opportunities for early intervention in male-specific health concerns." — The care deficit: We need more men in health care, Medical Economics.

"...a powerful reminder of the feminist mantra: you have to see it to be it." If any particular activity, including a job, is seen as being for people of the opposite sex, it is unlikely to feature in your own aspirations." — Why America needs more men working in health care and education, TIME.

"Having a diverse workforce is crucial in any field, and social work is no exception. Men can bring a different perspective to the role and this can be particularly valuable in areas such as family social work. Male social workers working with families can demonstrate that men can be warm, empathetic, caring, and a positive role model to both boys and girls." — Jason Loffman, a senior lecturer in social work at the University of Central Lancashire.

Strategic Recommendations for Increasing Male Engagement
 

This section provides strategic recommendations to increase high school male engagement in healthcare career pathways. It emphasizes the power of visible male role models, culturally responsive messaging, hands-on learning experiences, and partnerships with educators, parents, and community influencers to break down gender stereotypes and expand student interest in HEAL (Health, Education, and Literacy) careers.

Strategies and data from the June 2025 Wisconsin Non-Traditional Occupations Focus Group Summary Report conducted by Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) are included in this section, in addition to strategies identified through review of current literature. The Project Focus Group Summary Report was based on insights collected from Wisconsin educators and over 230 male high school students from throughout the state. Their input identified systemic barriers and practical, culturally relevant solutions.

1. Leverage Male Mentorship and Role Modeling

  • Recruit male mentors across various healthcare fields—especially those from underrepresented communities—to serve as visible role models.
  • Launch initiatives like "Men Who HEAL" speaker series or alumni panels at schools, drawing from stories like Julian Gallegos or David Beasley.

2. Address Stereotypes Through Culture Shifts

  • Conduct professional development for educators to reduce gender bias and foster inclusive language and practices in career guidance.
  • Showcase male representation in care-oriented roles through media, newsletters, or "career myth-busting" campaigns.
  • Train educators in culturally responsive outreach and healthcare career promotion.

3. Integrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Early and Often

  • Expand health-focused CTE pathways (e.g., pre-nursing, sports medicine, EMS) and pair them with internships and certifications.
  • Use models like P-TECH that incorporate real-world learning and structured support, which tend to resonate with male learners.

4. Utilize tech and hands-on learning

  • Infuse career exploration with VR simulations, robotics in medical settings, or app-based career challenges to appeal to tech-oriented students.
  • Partner with universities or hospital systems for interactive simulations and rotations modeled after Kaiser Permanente's or ECU Health's programs.
  • Offer more job shadowing, field trips, and lab simulations.
  • Make interactive exploration events standard in programming.

5. Tap Into Sports and Competition

  • Develop healthcare-themed competitions such as "HEAL Olympics" or gamified anatomy challenges.
  • Tie roles like athletic trainers, physical therapists, or trauma specialists to existing sports interests.
  • Introduce HOSA competitive events focused on sports medicine or physicality such as lifting or transporting pseudo patients.

6. Promote Male-Friendly Messaging in Club Activities

  • Create or bolster HEAL-specific clubs with strong male leadership—like HOSA chapters with inclusive branding and events geared toward diverse student interests.
  • Frame clubs as leadership pipelines and offer leadership training, shadowing, and hands-on opportunities.
  • Tie content to students' personal motivators and community experiences.
  • Increase male guest speakers and role models.

7. Target Messaging to Parents, Coaches, and Counselors

  • Develop outreach materials that include salary potential and job security for HEAL careers.
  • Educate influencers (especially in athletics or STEM) to recognize and promote HEAL careers to young men.
  • Consider a "Your Kid Could Be a Hero" postcard series—short, powerful messages sent home via schools or included in sports physical packets.

8. Develop Tailored Curriculum and Narrative

  • Infuse curriculum with stories of male healthcare pioneers and the emotional and intellectual rewards of the work.
  • Pilot electives that align with male interests—trauma care, surgical technology, sports injuries—packaged with clear career ladders.
  • Highlight men in a range of healthcare roles, especially technical or non-clinical.
  • Counter stereotypes through storytelling and media aligned with male students' interests.
  • Emphasize how healthcare intersects with technology, business, and sports.
  • Adjust Academic Structures.
    • Advocate for GPA weighting and flexible scheduling for health science classes.
    • Expand dual credit and healthcare electives across rural and urban districts.
    • Encourage program alignment with technical and university pathways.

9. Introduce Healthcare Careers Earlier

  • Embed exploratory healthcare content in middle school curriculum.
  • Coordinate with educators to integrate career exposure across subjects.

10. Deepen Partnerships and Professional Development

  • Collaborate with hospitals, clinics, institutes of higher education, and industry professionals for program support.

Materials: Recruitment Resources Focused on Males
 

Additional Resources for Increasing Male Engagement

This document compiles a wide range of evidence-based strategies and research to support increased engagement of high school male students in healthcare career pathways. It emphasizes the importance of male role models and mentorship, addresses gender stereotypes in healthcare professions, and explores how programs like Career and Technical Education (CTE), technology integration, and sports-related health initiatives can help attract and retain male students in the field.

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