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Coon Rapids High School, in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, has learned to straddle traditional learning with innovative programs for its students. One example of this forward-thinking approach is its Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Program.

Introduced in 2013, the program is designed to teach students, from freshmen to seniors, who enjoy science and have an interest in the medical field about the roles of medical professionals. The program introduces a variety of health-care careers in the fields of health and biological sciences, biomedical technology and manufacturing, health administration and partnering, and medical sales. Students learn how sciences such as physiology, microbiology, and genetics apply to health care. They also get a glimpse of the complexities of health care in the twenty-first century. Between the rigorous coursework, the hands-on experiments that explore real-life problems, and job shadowing health-care professionals in the community, students become well prepared for post-secondary biomedical programs. They can even earn college credit if they score high enough on the final exam.

Health care is a growing field, adding jobs faster than people can fill them. Minnesota is the home to some large medical companies (Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Health Partners, for example), and students who complete the Project Lead the Way Program may have an advantage when applying for internships or entry-level jobs with these companies or other similar companies.

Due to the biomedical program’s success, CRHS decided to add another Project Lead the Way Program, the second one in engineering. The program, for incoming ninth graders, is designed as a pre-engineering program that can whet students’ appetite for pursuing engineering degrees or careers. Students who participate in Project Lead the Way Engineering learn to integrate math, science, and engineering skills to come up with solutions to real-world problems.

Project Lead the Way is a non-profit organization whose goal is “preparing students for the global economy.” The company develops STEM curriculum for K-12 students and teachers. The programs are often transformative for students, who not only learn about their interests and their career goals, but also are empowered as they think up solutions to the world’s problems. Coon Rapids tutors and teachers are able to help students grapple with advanced topics.

Coon Rapids High School offers several other ways that motivated students can experience advanced learning. They can participate in distance learning with high-level business, math, or language classes in a TelePresence classroom. Another popular post-secondary option is the College in the Schools program, which allows high school students to enroll in college classes and earn University of Minnesota college credit. The classes are free to the students, breaking down the cost barrier that some students experience in pursuing college degrees. From the comfort of their high school classrooms, students can earn college credit, get a head start on college, and, with the help of Coon Rapids tutors and teachers, prepare for a great career after high school.