It has had a positive impact on the lives of thousands young people for 18 years.
40 Olney High students are benefitting from the Health Tech program at St. Christopher's Hospital, having worked with doctors, nurses and other health professionals, who mentor them in the field of healthcare.
"It takes a lot of skill, patience and hard work, but as a team, we get it done," said Johnny Michel.
Johnny Michel graduated from the Health Tech Program fourteen years ago. He is now a board-certified Medical Dosimetrist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Part of his job involves helping doctors plan their surgical strategies. He's an expert in the field of radiologic science.
"Before I got involved in this program, I was kind of shy. And right after, I became a new person, and it just drove me to do better," said Johnny Michel.
98% of the students in the program earn their high school diploma; 95% go on to college.
Marc Mystal will attend Kutztown University in the fall, and will major in biology and pre-med.
Heidy Nunez-Perez became emotional recalling how the program has helped her.
"It has helped me become the better person that I am," said Heidy.
Heidy came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic when she was thirteen.
"It was very meaningful, because I never knew that I could go this far," Heidy said.
For those mentoring these students, the experience is also rewarding.
"Just to be able to see their ambition and how eager they are," says Leslie Roman, Health Tech Mentor.
Philanthropist, Kal Rudman has donated nearly $400,000 dollars to the program since 1994. He gave more than $26,000 in scholarships this year. And for Esland Azard from Haiti, that means he'll be able to pursue his dream of becoming a nurse.
Funding for the program is provided by grants from St. Christopher's Foundation and Drexel University College of Medicine.
