A $3.9 million Aurora LIGHTS grant is shining the light on health sciences and creating a pathway that leads students into health care professions. As part of the program, a group of North Middle School students recently visited The Children's Hospital to learn about lung and respiratory diseases and treatments.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nine million children in America are diagnosed with asthma, a chronic or acute inflammatory condition of the airways that can make breathing difficult. However, many children with asthma have not been diagnosed.

The group of 30 students met with doctors, respiratory therapists, nurses and members of the American Lung Association. The students got hands-on demonstrations of respiratory equipment and learned about the diagnosis and treatments available for those who suffer from asthma.

The Aurora LIGHTS partnership includes APS, Community College of Aurora, University of Colorado-Denver, Metro Community Provider Network, Colorado AHEC System, Anschutz Medical Campus and Central Colorado AHEC.