Howard Payne University student Magaly Cervantes, biomedical science major from Brownwood, was recently accepted to the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP), which helps prepare undergraduate students for medical school. Cervantes is HPU’s third student to be accepted to JAMP, and her internship this summer will take place at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine.

JAMP is a state-funded program that consists of a partnership of 68 undergraduate universities and 13 Texas medical schools. JAMP provides Texan students with academic and financial support through scholarships, summer internship experiences, dedicated mentoring and comprehensive preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). More information about JAMP is available on its website, texasjamp.org.

“JAMP has been a great experience for our previous students involved – Hannah (Justice) White and Emily Moran,” Dr. Kristen Hutchins, dean of the School of Science and Mathematics. “Each successfully matched to a Texas medical school after completing a biomedical science degree at HPU.”

After graduation, Cervantes plans on attending medical school and becoming a doctor.

“Magaly is a strong student with a heart for service,” said Dr. Hutchins. “I’m excited to see how the Lord uses her to impact her community through health care.”

Aware of the challenges of her chosen profession, Cervantes is confident JAMP will help her achieve her goals.

“I am excited about JAMP because it will support me in my journey to become a doctor,” said Cervantes. “I was nervous about pursuing medicine due to challenges such as financial barriers and the competitive nature of medical school admissions. However, being a part of JAMP will help me overcome these obstacles while also encouraging my growth as a student and future professional in health care.”

Cervantes is grateful for the ways HPU has prepared her academically. With small classes sizes and professors who are invested in her personally, she feels prepared to enter JAMP and is excited to expand on the knowledge she has gained at HPU.

“I have been fortunate to have professors who genuinely care about both my academic success and personal well-being,” she said. “I know I have room to grow, and I believe through the additional resources and guidance provided by JAMP I will continue to develop and become a stronger, more effective student.”

More information about HPU’s School of Science and Mathematics can be found at www.hputx.edu/sosm.