Deaconess/EVSC Health Science Institute

Deaconess is proud to support the Health Science Institute. This two-week long program allows high school students to experience medical careers firsthand, thereby helping them make informed career decisions in the future. The Health Science Institute is co-sponsored by the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC).Since 1991, the Deaconess/EVSC Health Science Institute has helped prepare southwestern Indiana high school students for health care careers through communication with health care professionals, clinical experiences, tours and observations. Interaction with leading health care professionals broadens students’ knowledge of medical care and career opportunities in health care and health sciences. Institute staff consists of certified teachers, health care professionals and/or Health Science Institute alumni.The Health Science Institute packs an entire semester of learning into two weeks. Students will earn a semester grade as an elective high school science credit for meeting the requirements of the course. Two major requirements include a portfolio and an oral presentation of their experiences. Due to the fast pace and rigorous schedule, attendance for the full two weeks of HSI is mandatory. More information is available at www.deaconess.com/hsiMr. Jim Schwengel founded HSI based off a summer program from Indiana University. Mr. Schwengel led the program from 1991-2004.Mr. Chris Gibson was a student at Reitz High School and participated in the first HSI in 1991. He became a science teacher, counselor and now is a principal with EVSC at our New Tech Institute. He was a HSI counselor in 2004 and took over for Mr. Schwengel as the Coordinator of HSI from 2005-2014.Mrs. Rachel (Ordower) Heck, has been a former counselor of HSI and the Coordinator of HSI since 2014.Dr. Vic Chamness is the Director of Science and Health for EVSC and has been a co-leader of HSI since 1997.