Carroll College's special relationship with the Helena community provides unique opportunities for engagement with local organizations.
For example, in spring 2024, Carroll nursing students participated in a project at a local Montessori preschool to teach young children about the significance of healthy eating in a fun and interactive way. The project, part of the "Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals" course taught by Associate Professor of Nursing April Boitano, DNP, focused on educating children about the benefits of a variety of healthy foods. With childhood obesity on the rise in the U.S., research underscores the importance of establishing healthy eating habits early in life to enhance health outcomes over time.
The theme for this initiative was "eat the rainbow," where eight groups each presented a different food color—red, orange, yellow, green, blue/black, purple, white, and brown. Each group provided a poster, a brief presentation, an interactive game, and a healthy snack corresponding to their color theme. The interaction was thoroughly enjoyable for both the kindergarteners and the college students.
As a nursing student we learn about the importance of patient education. It was a fun learning opportunity to teach kindergarteners about nutrition and apply all that we have learned. I really enjoyed how this project gave us the chance to share our knowledge with the kids in the community.
~ Jessica Haley, sophomore, Hillsboro, Oregon