Partnership with local STEM academy focuses on student social-emotional learning needs
The vibrant colors and inspirational messages adorning the walls of the Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children and Youth at The Ohio State University College of Nursing originated from the minds, hearts and talents of students at Linden-McKinley STEM Academy in Columbus as part of a partnership through the college’s involvement in the school’s “Be The One” program.
The Pitzer Center, in collaboration with the college’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, hosted Linden-McKinley students as its office at Jane E. Heminger Hall on the Columbus campus on Friday to not only celebrate the 31 pieces of student art installed there based on the question “what does wellness mean to you,” but also to expose the students to the opportunities a career in nursing may provide.
“’Be The One’ is designed to empower students to develop inner strength, resilience and coping mechanisms to combat the negative impacts of childhood traumas,” said Chris Fortney, PhD, RN, FPCN, FAAN, associate professor at the College of Nursing. “The Linden-McKinley students with whom we engage take ‘Be The One’ as an elective course with a curriculum that addresses students’ social-emotional learning needs. This artwork that they created is an output of that learning, and it’s so awe-inspiring to see how they’ve grown through their participation.”
The students’ visit included activities in the college’s Technology Learning Complex (TLC) and its Virtual Reality (VR) lab. Those activities demonstrated some of the skills development and experiential learning that are core to students’ growth as future healthcare professionals. The students also learned about the college’s Community Health Workers Training Program and its signature Summer Institute for Future Nurses.
The visit closed with Karen Patricia Williams, PhD, nursing distinguished professor of women’s health and Pitzer Center executive director, presenting a check for $1,000 to Linden-McKinley to support their ongoing academic and experiential work through this partnership.
“This program creates a ripple effect of kindness, consideration and inclusion that truly makes a difference in the lives of our young people,” Williams said. “We’re very hopeful that through this cathartic exercise, these students will recognize the strength within them and be encouraged to share that strength and inspiration with others in their communities.”
The College of Nursing has served as a community partner to the “Be The One” program since 2019. Four faculty members – Dr. Fortney, Dr. Stephanie Hosley, Dr. Tara Spalla King and Dr. Tara O’Brien – presented monthly to students about various health topics with support from the Sigma Theta Tau Epsilon Chapter. In 2023, groups of senior students from the college’s Community Nursing course started completing clinical hours through engagement with the program.
