CHAMPS

Careers in Health and Medicine Program (CHAMPS) Summer Camp

The Careers in Health and Medicine Program, better known as CHAMPS, is a 5 day healthcare summer camp for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school who are interested in healthcare and reside within our 18-county region.

This CHAMPS program engages students of color, first generation students, and students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds with opportunities to gain experience in the medical field. This program allows students to explore various possibilities of working in a healthcare setting while learning from experienced physicians, providers, and health professionals about their work. CHAMPS is focused on creating a pipeline of diverse and knowledgeable students who will pursue the medical field. This is an experience that students will not want to miss!

During CHAMPS Camp, students spend five days immersed in healthcare careers through hands-on workshops, clinical shadowing, and professional development. Each day blends career exploration, skill-building, and mentorship opportunities.

Highlights include:

  • Hospital tour & onboarding

  • Simulation and skills labs (surgical, emergency, labor & delivery, primary care)

  • CPR & Stop the Bleed certifications

  • Shadowing doctors, nurses, and other health professionals

  • Career and college prep (resume building, interviewing skills, admissions guidance)

  • Guest speakers from medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, and more

  • Professional development and reflection sessions each day

  • Special demonstrations (e.g., CareFlight/Ambulance tours)

CHAMPs Year-Long Scholars

We now offer a year-long Scholars Program September through May for CHAMPS Camp alumni residing within McLennan County. We will provide monthly programming (college prep events, college tours, STEM tutoring, health careers panels, staying successful, etc.), mentorship, and a path to our Advanced Track Summer Camp.

Meet the CHAMPs Scholars

  • Jay'Ericka Hampton

    CONNALLY HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

  • Lizbeth Rivera

    WACO HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Layton Pair

    LORENA HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Clarisa Razo

    HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION - WACO SENIOR

  • Alayah Herrera

    CONNALLY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Julie Solano

    RAPOPORT HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

  • Natalia Barco

    LORENA HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

  • Kaleb Meche

    CONNALLY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Silvannah Coronado-Arriaga

    CONNALLY HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

  • Brianna Motgomery

    WACO HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Alexis Quintana

    WACO HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Yoselin Juarez Conde

    UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Samana Bagale

    CHINA SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Anahi Garcia

    CONNALLY HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

  • Gisell Sanchez

    WACO HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Aaron Ruiz

    ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

  • Bella Hernandez

    BISHOP REICHER HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

  • Miranda Gonzalez

    UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Emma Caffey

    RIESEL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Kaya Aldana

    ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

  • Natalye Oleaurre

    CONNALLY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Emily Mendoza

    UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Brieona Henderson

    CONNALLY HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

  • Joshua Herrera

    RAPOPORT HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

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CHAMPS Camp

2026 Date TBA

  • Programming will last between 8am and 4:30pm

  • FREE of charge to students accepted

  • Location: Ascension Providence - 6901 MEDICAL PKWY, WACO, TX 76712

  • Applications close Friday May 8th, 2026

How to Apply

Students who are interested in CHAMPs must complete their application via Smartsheet. The application will include biographical information, academic program information, short answer questions, and a minimum of 1 letter of recommendation from a teacher/educator . The entire application should be completed in its entirety (including short answer responses) before submission. Once it is submitted, you will not be able to change or edit it.

Please keep in mind the application deadline when completing your application. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 8th, 2026. Applications will not be accepted late.

Student Testimonials

  • “CHAMPs is an opportunity that you will not want to miss. It is a program that actually teaches you to not only learn about anything medicine medical, but teaches you to commune & engage with one another. It teaches you to have an open mind and most importantly it allows you to ignite the flame you have to help others.”

    Joshua Herrera

  • “Now more than ever, I am thrilled to enter the health care industry and surround myself with compassionate care providers. I loved being able to further my appreciation for the vast health care team. Thank you! ”

    Adelaide Blanchard

  • “Being part of CHAMPS will give you guidance and insight on healthcare careers that you are interested in. The people you meet along the way will help and empower you. Every person has their own story and hearing them will inspire you. I would recommend applying to be in the CHAMPS program because it is a great experience. Every person you encounter will give you the knowledge you need in each profession. CHAMPS is something I will be thankful for because not only did every person give me knowledge, but it was an experience that every person needs to help them get the confirmation they need for their future careers.”

    Anahi Garcia

  • “Take the chance or lose the opportunity! CHAMPS gives you so much more that other organizations can do. This program is beneficial and will lead you to success in the future. There is always a dream to run after. Don't let that stop you from becoming successful. YOU CAN DO IT!!! Champs gives you the opportunity to get a in depth healthcare career experience. It sets the road for you to choose the healthcare career you wish to succeed in. Champs gives you a once in a lifetime experience that will inspire you and guide you to success. Give Champs a chance!”

    Ashley Zuniga

  • "Originally, I thought Champs was a basic medical camp and that I was going to learn about basic overall health primarily in books. Instead, I found a great opportunity to learn about pretty much everything from every different kind of profession in the medical field. I would also want to point out there are many mentors that we could learn from giving advice about college, work life, and life experiences. From the interns like undergraduates, people that were still in med school, and even the residents. But back to about the learning portion, there are so many different things you can learn from here and take from to use in the future. So, if you get the chance to take place in Champs, Take it! "

    Michael Flores

Our Partners

Waco Family Medicine
We are grateful to Waco Family Medicine, whose resident physicians dedicate their time each summer to teach our simulation labs and share insight into the pathway to becoming a physician. Their involvement ensures CHAMPS students gain firsthand knowledge from professionals who are actively training in our community.

Ascension Providence
Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. The national health system operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 146 hospitals.

Here in Waco, Ascension Providence makes CHAMPS Camp possible. Through their generosity, we are able to provide CHAMPS Camp entirely free of charge. Ascension Providence provides:

  • Access to hospital facilities and classrooms for our week-long camp

  • Dedicated staff who lead workshops and support programming

  • Daily meals for every CHAMPS student, covered at no cost

United Way of McLennan County
The launch of the CHAMPS Year-Long Scholars Program is made possible by funding from United Way of McLennan County. Their investment ensures that CHAMPS alumni can continue their journey throughout the school year with monthly events, mentorship, and support. Thanks to this partnership, the Scholars Program is also offered completely free of charge to participants.

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FAQs

  • The CHAMPS Program is free of charge to all students.

  • Transportation will not be provided to or from Ascension Providence Hospital. It will be up to the student to get to the hospital each day on time for program activities. If you have an issue with transportation do reach out because there may be other students commuting from near by.

  • The COVID-19 vaccine is NOT required for students to participate in CHAMPS. Although, being vaccinated protects their health due to possible exposures and protects the health of those around them at the hospital. The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge and can be obtained from many different locations.

  • Yes, students are required to have a negative TB-test completed within the last year of starting the CHAMPS program. Your primary care physician can provide the test and the reading or you can also reach out to the McLennan County Public Health District for more information on TB.

  • Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided everyday of the camp free to students.

  • One letter of recommendation from a high school teacher, educator, or administrator is required. This should be someone who knows your academic and personal character. You can also submit an optional second letter of recommendation from a person of your choice. Pick someone who can speak in detail about you. (And don't forget to ask them if they can write you a positive reference letter!)

  • This is the pathway for our program: CHAMPS Camp → CHAMPS Year-Long Scholars → CHAMPS Camp Advanced Track

    Eligible CHAMPS Camp students will be invited to apply to become a CHAMPS Scholar.

  • College Prep

    • Financial Aid 101 (FAFSA, scholarships, etc.)

    • Finding & Applying for Scholarships

    • College Tours (transportation provided)

    • College Application Bootcamp (includes parent Q&A)

    Academic Support

    • STEM tutoring (Biology, Chemistry, Algebra II, Statistics, Anatomy & Physiology)

    • SAT Prep sessions + free SAT Prep book

    • Study skills and academic success workshops

    Career Exposure

    • Shadowing opportunities with healthcare professionals

    • “Meet a Health Professional” mentorship nights

    • Medical simulation labs (hands-on practice)

    • Health Careers Panel (hear from professionals)

    • Community Health Worker (CHW) certification option

    Staying Successful

    • “College Life: What to Expect”

    • Staying Motivated in School and College

    • Managing Stress & Mental Health