Opening Doors of Opportunity for High School Students

Centene often partners with local nonprofit organizations to bring awareness to community issues. One recent initiative worked with The Youth and Learning Center (YLC) to provide St. Louis-area high school students with access to high-quality science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) programs. Through the YLC Two Degrees program, students connected with STEAM experts to create an authentic educational experience designed to build the next generation of STEAM professionals. The Centene Charitable Foundation, executive volunteers, and key partnerships help YLC advance its mission and engage young people in the development of their skills.

In 2016, Centene's Missouri health plan challenged four teams of YLC students to design app ideas for young audiences, with each design focusing on a different healthy message. Home State Health selected the Asthma Attack health education app as its winner. The Asthma Attack health education app addresses ways young people can manage asthma without limiting their physical activity. 

Many of Home State's school-age members are diagnosed asthma patients and could greatly benefit from a new way to access information about their condition. While chronic health conditions can often seem overwhelming, the education-based app is a great way to offer digestible pieces of information.