Four-hundred children will have the opportunity to explore medical science and careers in medicine during Wayne State University School of Medicine's annual Reach Out to Youth program in February.

Presented by the School of Medicine's Black Medical Association chapter, the 28th annual Reach Out to Youth seeks to present children ages 7 to 11 in underrepresented populations in science and medicine to careers in those fields. Scheduled for Feb. 11, from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., the free program includes a T-shirt and lunch.

Reach Out to Youth provides urban youth a window into the world of medicine and an understanding that they can build careers in that world. Students explore medicine and science through workshops and activities taught by WSU medical students and faculty. About 400 children and their parents attend the event each year.

This year's theme is "Play it Safe: Brain Safety," so activities featuring the human brain will be among the hands-on activities participants can expect. In addition to interactive small-group sessions in anatomy, physiology and clinical medicine, students will learn the science behind healthy living and eating.

Parents who attend experience their own set of workshops focusing on obesity, healthy lifestyles and preparing their children for medical school.

For more information about the program or to volunteer to assist during the event, email dmoor@med.wayne.edu or ecmurphy@med.wayne.edu. A required orientation for those volunteering to work the event will take place Feb. 7 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Scott Hall, Room 1328.

Parents wishing to register their children for Reach Out to Youth can do so at https://forms.wayne.edu/585bfe0613051.