On April 24, 2024, five City Springs Elementary / Middle School sixth grade students spent the day behind-the-scenes at Johns Hopkins Hospital, touring non-clinical departments including engineering, repair, command center, and technology. The teacher-selected participants spoke with Theodore DeWeese, dean and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine, and five other department heads.
Called the East Baltimore Project, the program offers City Springs students opportunities to see careers firsthand. It’s the brainchild and new collaboration between Todd Wade, City Springs’ Director of Restorative Practices and
Peer Mediation Coordinator, and Emmanuel Opati, Project Administrator in the Hospital’s Department of Medical Affairs and Patient Safety. The two worked for months on creating the field trip and creating what Mr. Opati calls “building an ecosystem that can support kids in East Baltimore.”
“The goal is to expose kids of color to leadership of color, and to make them aware of the many, many opportunities there are for employment, in their backyard,” says Mr. Wade, who accompanied the students to Hopkins.
It was an amazing experience. The hospital really pulled out the stops for the scholars. They were able to see and experience the multitude of opportunities that are available for all education and skill levels.
Plans for next year include more students meeting leaders of color at Johns Hopkins Hospital and expanding the program to other regional employers. Contact Mr. Wade for more information on sponsoring student tours and field trips.
Thank you, Mr. Wade and Mr. Opati, for a great day!
