Saint Joseph Health, More in Common Alliance Partner with Morehouse School of Medicine, KSU to Offer Summer Academy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 6, 2025) – Saint Joseph Health and the More in Common Alliance are once again partnering with the Morehouse School of Medicine and Kentucky State University to offer a summer program focused on STEM and health careers to middle school, high school and college students. The More in Common STEM and Health Careers Summer Academy will be offered July 28-August 1 at Kentucky State University.

The weeklong residential academy will focus on academic enrichment and career/skill development focused on health care fields. For younger students, the academy will offer an introduction to research and careers in health care. Saint Joseph Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, which developed the More in Common Alliance with the Morehouse School of Medicine to address the underlying causes of health inequities, including the lack of representation among care providers. That partnership inspired this academy, which is similar to opportunities offered by Morehouse School of Medicine at its Atlanta campus. Saint Joseph Health is also partnering  with Kentucky State University to provide scholarships and learning opportunities for nursing students. 

“We are pleased to once again partner with Morehouse and Kentucky State University through the More in Common Alliance to expose young people in our community to STEM and health care careers,” said Matt Grimshaw, MBA, president, Saint Joseph Health. “Last year’s camp sparked an interest in health careers and we are happy to welcome back campers who were so engaged in the activities. We are excited about the future for these young people, many of whom may not have an opportunity to explore their interest in a future working in health care.”

“We’re incredibly excited to return for the second year of the More In Common STEM and Health Careers Summer Academy,” said Ryan Clark, Ph.D., M.S., director, office for Educational Outreach and Health Careers, Morehouse School of Medicine. “This academy offers an unparalleled opportunity for middle school, high school, and college students across Kentucky to immerse themselves in the world of STEM and healthcare through hands-on activities like dissections, suturing clinics, CPR certification, and real hospital shadowing experiences. Through our powerful collaboration with Saint Joseph Health, Kentucky State University, and the More in Common Alliance, students not only gain early exposure to health professions and cutting-edge STEM fields, they also engage directly with college admissions teams and faculty who can help shape their academic journey. This is more than just a summer program, it’s an investment in the next generation of scientists, healthcare leaders, and change-makers.”

“By 2034 it is estimated that the physician shortage will reach 124,000 with most of the shortages impacting rural and urban communities,” said Veronica T. Mallett, MD, MMM, senior vice president and chief administrative officer, More in Common Alliance. “For many of our participants, the More in Common STEM and Health Careers Academy opens up new pathways for Kentucky students to learn and engage in activities that will, hopefully, be the starting point to lowering this potential shortage.”

“Kentucky State University is pleased to partner with Saint Joseph Health, More in Common Alliance, and the Morehouse School of Medicine to offer this remarkable summer academy,”said Koffi Akakpo, Ph.D., president, Kentucky State University. “Last year’s More in Common STEM and Health Careers Academy was a great success, profoundly inspiring and empowering young minds to explore the many aspects of the STEM and health fields. We are excited to welcome students again for this wonderful opportunity.”

The summer academy is offered free of charge to eligible students. High school and college students will be asked to write an essay about their career aspirations and motivation for attending the program. For middle school students, the program is asking teachers to recommend students who may benefit from attending the academy.

For more information and to apply, visit MICASTEMAcademy.org.

About Saint Joseph Health

Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. HI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About More in Common Alliance

The More in Common Alliance is a partnership between Morehouse School of Medicine and CommonSpirit Health. Morehouse School of Medicine is a historically Black medical school and one of America’s leading educators of primary care physicians, and CommonSpirit Health is one of America’s largest health systems with locations in 21 states from coast to coast. Knowing patients consistently fare better when treated by clinicians of similar backgrounds who share lived experiences, the More in Common Alliance seeks to address critical gaps in care by increasing cultural competency and expanding representation. Together, we are leading a 10-year, $100-million initiative to expand undergraduate and graduate medical education to build a more diverse and dynamic workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

About CommonSpirit Health

CommonSpirit Health is a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 by Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. With its national office in Chicago and a team of over 150,000 employees and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, CommonSpirit operates 140 hospitals and more than 1,500 care sites across 21 states. In FY 2021, CommonSpirit had revenues of $33.3 billion and provided $5.1 billion in charity care, community benefit, and unreimbursed government programs. Learn more at www.commonspirit.org.

About Morehouse School of Medicine

Founded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists, and public health professionals. An independent and private historically-Black medical school, MSM was recognized by the Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation’s number one medical school in fulfilling a social mission—the creation and advancement of health equity. MSM faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care. MSM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral and master’s degrees. To learn more about programs and donate today, please visit www.msm.edu or call (404) 752-1500.

About Kentucky State University

Founded in 1886, Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public historically black land-grant university in Frankfort, Kentucky. KSU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including agriculture, health, and natural resources. The School of Nursing at KSU is committed to promoting the health and well-being of all people through high-quality nursing education. Accredited by the National League of Nursing since 1973, our nursing program prepares diverse, clinically competent, and caring nurses who make significant contributions to the healthcare profession and global health agenda. KSU's philosophy emphasizes holistic care, lifelong learning, and the importance of nursing research in improving health outcomes. For more information visit https://www.kysu.edu/ or call (502) 597-6556.