Page 29 - Layout 1

FEATURE

What’s most exciting is
that CAST Med students
will learn by tackling real
world problems through
project-based learning
methods intended to
sharpen critical thinking and
problem-solving skills, as
well as expose students to
the challenges in their own SAISD CAST MED High School at Brooks City Base | McChesney/Bianco Architecture
communities, instilling em-
pathy and creating a sense
of agency.
CAST Med is part of The
Centers for Applied Science
and Technology or CAST
— a network of tuition-
free, industry-led, career-
themed schools in San
Antonio founded by
Charles Butt and H-E-B in
partnership with area industries. While each school has the auton- the 2019-2020 school year.
omy to create ecosystems that best serve its students, all schools While we have several wonderful industry partners, CAST Med
strive to do three things: graduate students with marketable skills, is still looking for healthcare and bioscience companies willing to
expose them to careers that match their interest and fortify them offer mentoring opportunities for students, donate medical and sci-
with transferable college credits that jumpstart their higher educa- ence equipment and connect teachers with externships so they can
tion goals. enhance their subject-matter expertise and teaching skills. For more
Committed to growing doctors and researchers who reflect the information on how to join the growing list of partner organiza-
communities they serve, CAST Med is working to recruit 50 percent tions, contact info@castschools.com.
of its students from within the San Antonio Independent School This is a school that has the potential to change the trajectory of
District and the rest from all parts of Bexar County. It will link stu- countless families in our city. To track our progress and stay up to
dents to industry professionals through job shadowing, internships, date with news and events follow CAST MED on Twitter and In-
mentorships, clinical and research opportunities and summer en- stagram or join our email list by contacting info@castschools.com.
richment programs. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a city to
Of the 1.5 million residents in San Antonio, more than 63 percent build their schools. Join us as we make history.
identify as Hispanic. And yet, only 23 percent of medical profes-
sionals in the city identify as Hispanic. CAST Med aims to increase
the number of Hispanic and Latino students entering the medical
and health fields.
Know someone who would make a great CAST Med student?
Encourage them to apply today. The school will accept 150 ninth
grade students to its inaugural class, with applications being ac-
cepted through February. The school, which will include a 215-seat
auditorium and state of the art lab spaces for bioscience, biotech Dr. Eddie Rodriguez is the CAST Med Principal. A 28-year veteran in
and anatomy labs, will also host visitors during an open house upon education, he most recently served as the founding principal of Harlandale ISD’s
completion of renovation of the building prior to the beginning of STEM Early College High School at Palo Alto College.

visit us at www.bcms.org 29