Koch Elementary School is piloting a new Future Nurses Academy, aimed at introducing elementary students to nursing and healthcare careers while strengthening academic engagement and STEM learning.
The program, launched during the 2024–2025 school year, is designed to give students early exposure to high-demand careers in a hands-on, age-appropriate way. School leaders describe the initiative as part of Koch Elementary’s vision as a School of the Future, focused on career readiness, service-oriented leadership and real-world learning.
The Future Nurses Academy is supported through partnerships with the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Nursing, Chamberlain College of Nursing, local nursing professionals, healthcare workers and school-based nursing staff. The program is also aligned with district secondary and post-secondary healthcare pathways to help create a long-term pipeline into the field.
Students participate in hands-on learning experiences that introduce basic anatomy, body systems, vital signs, hygiene, wellness, nutrition, safety and first-aid awareness. Guest speakers from the healthcare field provide real-world insight, while lessons integrate science, literacy and critical thinking.
A unique feature of the program is its emphasis on professionalism. Participating students are required to wear nursing scrubs, stethoscopes and student badges. The attire helps reinforce accountability, pride and early career identity.
Program goals include increasing student engagement and motivation, strengthening foundational STEM skills, building empathy and leadership, and providing equitable access to healthcare career awareness. Data and feedback collected during the pilot year will be used to shape a sustainable curriculum moving forward.
Early exposure to healthcare careers can increase student aspiration and long-term goal setting, while also supporting community workforce needs in high-demand fields.The long-term goal of the program is to establish a viable nursing and healthcare career pathway that begins at the elementary level.