This June, Germanna opened its doors—and its campuses—to inspire the next generation of scholars and healthcare professionals. Through two impactful programs designed for local middle and high school students, Germanna provided immersive, hands-on experiences that brought learning to life.
Empowering Young Scholars Through Hands-On STEM Exploration
Germanna’s Fredericksburg Area Campus came alive with energy from June 2-5 as more than 30 young men participated in the Academic Scholars Institute (ASI) Summer Academy—a program designed to equip middle school students from Orange County with the tools to succeed in higher education and beyond.
Hosted by Germanna’s Office of Student Success, the multi-day academy provided students with the chance to explore college life through engaging workshops, career exploration, and hands-on learning. Participants took part in a variety of STEM-focused sessions and visited Germanna’s Fredericksburg Center for Advanced Technology, where they were introduced to skilled trades programs and cutting-edge training in high-demand fields.
This year’s program was made possible in part through support from Dominion Energy and Ernestine Reid, retired Orange County educator, whose commitment to advancing educational opportunities continues to open new doors for students.
“The highlight of my job is having the opportunity to host events like this,” says Aries Wilson, Coordinator of the Student Success Center. “I love having that impact on the students and letting them know that there’s a whole world out there full of possibilities.”
Inspiring Future Healthcare Heroes
Germanna hosted its inaugural Operation Health Sciences Camp from June 9-11 at the Stafford County Center—an immersive, hands-on experience designed to ignite interest in healthcare careers among middle school students. The program featured interactive activities led by health sciences faculty from nursing, pharmacy, dental, and emergency medical services, with additional support from Stafford County Emergency Medical Services.
The camp drew 94 students from across the region, including Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, and surrounding counties. Students rotated through themed activity rooms focused on different areas of the health sciences: “Brain and Body” explored the nervous system and human anatomy and included a two-day dental workshop; “Health Science Explorers” introduced a variety of healthcare professions through hands-on tasks; “Pulse Project & First Aid” taught heart health, CPR, vital signs, and basic first aid; and “Future Healthcare Professionals” gave students a deeper look into the impact and pathways of careers in medicine.
“One of the most rewarding outcomes of the Operation Health Sciences Camp was seeing how it opened students’ eyes to the possibilities in healthcare,” said Dr. John Stroffolino, Associate Dean of Health Technologies. “We heard from parents who shared that their children came home excited—talking about what they learned and, in some cases, even changing what they want to be when they grow up. That kind of inspiration is exactly what we hoped to spark.”
The College gratefully acknowledges Claude Moore, Mary Washington Healthcare, and the Germanna Educational Foundation for their generous sponsorship of the event, helping make this impactful experience possible for so many young learners.
