By 2038, the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) projects nationwide shortages of registered nurse and licensed practical nurses, particularly in rural communities, along with numerous other health professional shortages. To encourage future health care professionals, Memorial Hospital in Carthage will host a Summer Youth Program, an eight-week paid experience designed to inspire and prepare local high school students for meaningful careers in healthcare.
According to Memorial's Chief Human Resources Officer Will Stuflick, the program is open to students who will be 16 years of age by June 1 and are enrolled at Hamilton, Illini West, Warsaw, Southeastern or West Prairie high schools.
Preferred participants experience one or more of the following: financial barriers, school attendance issues, non-supportive home-life, food insecurities, juvenile record, first-gen student mindset, skill deficiencies, lack of support system and/ or transportation barriers.
'Our Summer Youth Program provides more than just a summer job, it's a stepping stone toward a brighter future,' Stuflick shared. 'We're passionate about creating opportunities for local students to learn, grow and see the many ways they can make a difference in their community through healthcare.'
The program offers students an opportunity to explore a variety of healthcare professions while developing essential life and job skills, he explained.
Participants will engage in group sessions focused on personal growth, teamwork and communication, followed by hands-on experience in departments such as Nursing, Radiology, Maintenance, Fiscal Services, Patient Access and more.
Participants will earn an hourly wage throughout the program, which runs from June 1 to July 24. In addition to workplace experience, students benefit from mentorship, career readiness training, and the support of Memorial Hospital’s compassionate, community-focused team, Stuflick added.
Applications are due by Monday, Feb. 16. For more information or to apply, visit mhtlc.org/ summer-youth-program or email Memorial Hospital Human Resources at [email protected]. Memorial Hospital encourages all eligible students, especially those who may face financial, transportation or other barriers, to speak with their guidance counselor.
