Inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals requires the engagement of multiple stakeholders. While there are various ways for community partners to get involved with local schools, nothing is more authentic than the in-person experience where professionals share their expertise.
Picture this, a bustling Career Explorations Fair, full of students standing proudly next to colorful trifold boards discussing a healthcare profession that they researched. Presentations contain statistics about employment numbers and earnings potential, preparation needed to become a professional, and basic requirements of day-to-day actions gleaned from interviews with someone working in that field. Community members, industry professionals, future employers, teachers, and peers meander through the rows learning about important aspects of healthcare professions, providing feedback, making connections, and in some cases, offering employment to students preparing to earn their CNA certification.
After weeks of study, students have made the decision about whether they could see themselves pursuing that particular profession in the future. This is but one important experience contributing to educational programming at the high school level. A successful Career Fair requires time in class to determine aptitudes and research topics, industry volunteers to respond and answer questions either online or via conversation, and yet more volunteers to provide encouragement and feedback to students at the career fair.
Successful partnerships require minimal time on the part of industry partners, but the benefits to students are truly incalculable, especially when students see themselves represented in the volunteers. Opportunities to support student growth and learning include:
Short presentations during classes
Interviews (either virtual or in person)
Lunch and learn opportunities
Hosting site visits, job shadowing, or internships
Providing input on curriculum
Mentoring one on one or in small groups
Participating in a steering committee to coordinate community connections
The key to effective partnerships lies in a consistent commitment to the success of young people. Successful learning occurs when students make personal connections to the content and have repeated exposure to the content over time. With partners providing real-world exposure and facilitating meaningful experiences, students are more likely to pursue and succeed in healthcare-related fields. This increases the talent pool for local industry and provides a pipeline of qualified employees ready to step into healthcare roles.
For more information, contact the academypartners@danbury.k12.ct.us