Atrium Health Navicent is now accepting applications for its summer REACH program, which provides local high school sophomores and juniors with a chance to explore careers in health care. The four-week initiative offers students the opportunity to shadow health professionals and gain practical experience through activities such as medical skills simulations, field trips, and mentoring.
The Realizing and Encouraging Adolescents to pursue Careers in Healthcare (REACH) program began in 2024. “Since REACH was launched in 2024, we’ve had two successful cohorts of young people who have had the opportunity to get in-depth and in-person experience in health care careers,” said Sheila Rawlins, Workforce Development and Career Innovations manager for Advocate Health, which Atrium Health Navicent is a part of. “We hope this program will not only encourage students in their educational journey, but also eventually lead them to fill the need for professional health care workers right here in central Georgia.”
Participants will be able to observe professionals working in fields such as nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, radiology, administration, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, laboratory services, and medical practice management.
The program runs from June 8 through July 2. Applications are open until February 6. Eligibility requirements include being at least 16 years old by the start date, maintaining a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5, showing interest in a health care career, submitting a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor, completing all application materials by the deadline, and committing to attend all four weeks if selected.
Students from Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Jones, Peach, Twiggs and Wilkinson County high schools are encouraged to apply. Participating locations include Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center; Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin; Atrium Health Navicent Peach; and Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital.
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce supports workforce development initiatives like this one to promote regional growth through education and community engagement as described on its official website. The Chamber works toward advancing economic vitality and improving quality of life within Macon County (source). It also offers programs that foster business connections across the county (source).
For more information or to apply for the REACH program or download an informational flyer, interested students can visit the Atrium Health Navicent website.
