In partnership with Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the College LAUNCH for Leadership Program hosted over 120 high school juniors at its MEDucation Day program on Saturday, April 18 in both Winston-Salem and Charlotte.
MEDucation Day is an annual tradition at the School of Medicine campus in Winston-Salem, located in the Innovation Quarter. With the opening of the second campus of the School of Medicine at The Pearl, the program expanded, providing students in Charlotte the same opportunity to learn about health care professions.
In Winston-Salem, this immersive day allowed students to participate in suturing and ultrasound sessions, a nursing anesthesia simulation, and learn about biomedical sciences and other health care careers and technologies.
At The Pearl, students engaged in hands-on demonstrations with medical technology and a rehabilitation workshop, and were introduced to the Carolinas Simulation Center, Mobile Simulation Bus, medical transit and ortho lab, K-12 STEM Lab, and more.
Volunteers and medical students from the School of Medicine were also on hand at both events to share their expertise and answer students’ questions about their careers.
“We're working with students to get them immersed in the medical culture here at Wake Forest University School of Medicine,” said Connor Mack, a first-year MD Program student at Wake Forest University School of Medicine Charlotte, which welcomed its first class of medical students in summer 2025. “I think it's a great opportunity for these younger high schoolers to experience this early. I'm able to look down the ladder, pull some kids up and give them a look into what medical careers are all about.”
The College LAUNCH for Leadership Program is a free nine-month college prep and leadership development program for high school juniors in the Winston-Salem and Charlotte areas.
