Uplifting the next generation of STEM leaders

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Each summer, high school and college students across Central Florida step into labs, city offices and engineering spaces to discover how science and innovation can change lives.

Through AdventHealth’s decades-long partnership with the City of Altamonte Springs, the Altamonte Springs Science Incubator (AS₂I) Program gives aspiring STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) professionals hands-on experience, scholarships and mentorship – helping the next generation feel whole through learning and opportunity.

Through AdventHealth’s support of the AS₂I program, thousands of dollars have been awarded in high school and college scholarships and there have been over 90 internships and over 18,000 STEM field trip experiences. The program has also seen a 70% increase in intern participation as it has expanded into new community events and schools.

“At AdventHealth, we believe in building the highly skilled workforce of tomorrow and programs like AS₂I are one of the ways we’re working to improve education access – especially for STEM talent who will shape the health advancements of the future,” said Michael Griffin, senior vice president of advocacy and public policy at AdventHealth. “Altamonte Springs is a great partner, and we’re proud to work with the city on this important goal.”

By investing in education and workforce development, AdventHealth extends its approach of caring for the body, mind and spirit by recognizing that economic opportunity and personal growth are essential to healthy and prosperous communities.

Altamonte Springs City Manager Frank Martz echoed this sentiment, saying, “This program distinguishes itself by equipping students with real-world skills and experiences that empower them to confidently transition into the next chapter of their lives and careers.

“By enabling students to engage with STEM beyond the classroom, learn directly from industry experts and gain recognition as emerging leaders in their community, AS₂I enriches their educational journeys and cultivates an environment where innovation flourishes.”

The internship program enables students to rotate through various departments within the City of Altamonte Springs, allowing them to gain organizational knowledge and develop professional and practical skills in STEM and business-related fields.

“This experience is extremely helpful in high school, when we’re faced with a vast amount of career options that can sometimes feel inaccessible,” said Sophia Wyvratt, former AS₂I high school intern. “This internship opened my eyes to so many careers that had not previously been on my radar.”

Every year, students seeking careers in STEM fields can apply for AS₂I college scholarships.

Chandana Karumanchi, a previous scholarship recipient, shared what the scholarship meant to her and the path she is on now.

“During my undergraduate years, receiving this scholarship played a key role in my admission to the University of Florida and in supporting my studies during freshman year. It also gave me the confidence to pursue STEM,” she said. “I recently graduated from UF with a degree in microbiology and cell sciences and another in nutritional sciences. I’m continuing this path by now doing research at the Yale School of Medicine reproductive sciences biobank, working toward my goal of attending medical school.”

AdventHealth’s investment in AS₂I reflects its broader commitment in fueling the local economy of its communities and preparing the health workforce of tomorrow.

In 2023, the organization generated more than $16 billion in statewide economic impact and contributed over $9 million in workforce and housing development across Central Florida – part of more than $1 billion in total community benefit advancing opportunity and whole-person well-being.

“As a leader in healthcare innovation, AdventHealth continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our youth. Their focus on nurturing and empowering communities aligns seamlessly with the program’s vision to inspire the next generation of thinkers and doers," Martz said. “Together, we are helping transform what once seemed impossible for some into reality by fueling opportunities for young dreamers across the region.”

Learn more about the Altamonte Springs Science Incubator here.