Little RUUTEs Program
Inspire curiosity about health, science, and helping others, starting in elementary school!
The RUUTE Elementary Outreach Program brings engaging, age-appropriate health science lessons to elementary classrooms in rural and underserved communities across Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
Lessons are designed to introduce young students to the basics of health, the human body, and caring for others through interactive activities, storytelling, and hands-on learning. Our goal is to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students begin to see themselves as future helpers, healers, and scientists.
Presentations can be offered virtually or in person depending on location, scheduling, and availability.
If you are interested in having a RUUTE representative visit your elementary classroom, please see the Outreach & Contact section below.
OUTREACH & CONTACT
We welcome opportunities to bring health science education to elementary classrooms across rural and underserved communities in Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. If your school or organization is interested in hosting a RUUTE presentation, activity, or health science lesson, we would be happy to connect with you.
For inquiries, scheduling, or additional information about the RUUTE Elementary Outreach Program, please contact:
Lucy Ballard
Program Specialist, RUUTE & Regional Affairs
Email: Lucy.Ballard@hsc.utah.edu
WHAT STUDENTS WILL EXPERIENCE
Elementary students who participate in RUUTE outreach lessons may:
- Learn about the human body, health, and wellness in fun and simple ways
- Participate in hands-on activities, games, and demonstrations
- Explore what doctors, nurses, scientists, and other health professionals do
- Practice teamwork, asking questions, and problem-solving
- Begin to see how they can help others in their families and communities
Student Highlight:
Brooke Larson
Brooke Larson
Little RUUTE has been a meaningful way for me to connect with rural communities across Utah while sharing my interest in medicine. I have loved teaching kids about basic medical concepts and giving them hands on experiences like learning how to suture. Seeing their excitement when they make a connection between medicine and their own lives, or when they proudly place a suture and ask to try again, is incredibly rewarding. Working with Little RUUTE brings me back to the excitement I felt when I first discovered medicine and continuously reignites my passion for the field. Spending time in these communities has also strengthened my commitment to contributing to and improving rural health care.
— Brooke Larson, Medical Student & Little RUUTE Participant
Sofia Carriera
Sofia Carriera
Through Little RUUTE I’ve had the opportunity to work with elementary and middle school students from medically underserved communities, speaking about career options in medicine and leading engaging activities—ranging from hands-on experiences like ultrasound and suturing to interactive medical cases—to spark interest. I had no exposure to medicine at their age and no idea I would pursue a career in healthcare, so it’s incredibly meaningful to introduce students to these possibilities early and show them that this path is something they can pursue.
— Brooke Larson, Medical Student & Little RUUTE Participant
CONTACT US
Please contact the RUUTE Team with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Email: RUUTE@umail.utah.edu