Medventure Magic

Hands-On Science Inspires
Next-Gen Health Heroes

By Charlotte Tallman

Slithery reptiles, dissected pickles and mock crime scene investigations captured the imagination of middle school students from across our Borderplex region at Texas Tech Health El Paso’s 14th annual Medventure for Your Future in January.

Nearly 1,000 youngsters enjoyed a full day of hands-on workshops designed to fire the imagination, and spark an interest in health science careers and science, technology, engineering and math. 

Medventure is organized by the Foster School of Medicine’s Office of Admissions Outreach Programs. Eighth grader Zoey Herman had such a good time at last year’s Medventure, she signed up again.

“I wasn’t sure about going, but it turned out to be the best day ever. I learned a lot and had an amazing time,” she said of her first Medventure experience. “This year, they rearranged the events, so everyone like me who attended last year got to experience something new.” 

Zoey has her sights set on becoming a first responder and will be starting ninth grade at Silva Health Magnet High School, across from the Texas Tech Health El Paso campus. At Silva, she’ll get a head start on earning college credits toward a health-related degree.

Growing Our

Own Future

Health Care Heroes

Here

  • A sticky topic

    One fun hands-on activity at Medventure helped students learn about blood and how it coagulates to help stop bleeding after an injury.

  • Smooth operators

    Donning scrubs, masks and gloves, Medventure participants get hands-on instruction in operating room procedures.

  • Giving back

    Medventure wouldn’t be a success without the many volunteers who help with workshops and lead groups on tours of Texas Tech Health El Paso’s labs and facilities. 

Medventure’s No-Cost Model Ignites Interest in STEM Careers

There’s no cost for students to participate in Medventure, thanks to the support of sponsors and volunteers who’ve helped make it one of the most popular annual educational experiences for young El Pasoans. And Medventure is making an impact: Over 95% of students who’ve attended say the event increased their interest in taking STEM courses and pursuing a health or science career. It’s a trend the Foster School of Medicine’s Outreach Programs see taking hold in our community. A case in point: John Antowan, who participated in Outreach Programs’ 2017 Summer Medical Camp, is now a second-year student at the Foster School of Medicine.

At this year’s event, FirstLight Federal Credit Union pledged $75,000 for student scholarships and Medventure, while the Electric Company Charitable Foundation awarded $50,000 to support scholarships and pathway programs. Other supporters of Medventure 2025 included Destination El Paso, Southwest University, JAMP (Texas Joint Admission Medical Program), El Paso Children’s Hospital, Aliviane Inc. and Ricardo Reyna, M.D.

Over 95% of attendees say Medventure increased their interest in pursuing a health or science career. 

Texas Tech Health El Paso Magazine, Fall 2025