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Diverse Workforce Pathways Program
Shaping the future of VMFH, one student at a time
The Diverse Workforce Pathways (DWP) Program is an initiative designed to create equitable opportunities for underrepresented middle and high school students to explore careers in health care. By offering immersive experiences, mentorship, and skills-based training, the program aims to connect students with health care professionals, inspire interest in health care careers, and develop the next generation of culturally competent caregivers. Through intentional partnerships with local schools and community organizations, DWP bridges the gap between students and future career opportunities in the health care sector, fostering both professional growth and improved health outcomes for underserved communities.
Program details
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Schools can coordinate with the DWP program manager to organize VMFH staff visits with certain classes or large assemblies. Based on the requestor’s needs, DWP Program can tailor the experience in the following ways:
- Presentations
- VMFH staff deliver career-focused presentations tailored to specific classes or large assemblies.
- Presentations highlight a variety of roles within healthcare, share professional journeys, and emphasize how careers in health care contribute to improving community well-being.
- Workshops
- Hands-on, interactive sessions led by VMFH professionals.
- Students engage in activities designed to provide a glimpse into real-world health care tasks. Examples may include:
- Learning basic medical skills.
- Exploring tools and equipment used by health care workers.
- Trying on scrubs or participating in role-specific simulations.
- Presentations
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Schools have the opportunity to coordinate with the DWP program manager to request VMFH professionals to serve as mentors for students. This mentorship initiative is a case by case model designed to provide students with one-on-one guidance and career advice from experienced health care professionals. The DWP Program ensures that mentorship experiences are both accessible and meaningful by tailoring each mentorship experience to fit the unique needs of the student and the professional, ensuring that both the mentor and mentee gain value from the relationship.
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10th-12th grade students enrolled in schools partnered with DWP will have the opportunity to participate in the Morehouse School of Medicine’s High School Community Health Worker (CHW) virtual training program. Through this program, students will acquire essential skills and earn certifications in community health, advocacy, and health care support, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in their communities
- Students must apply through their academic institution.
- Schools interested in the CHW training program should assign a facilitator to oversee the class and coordinate directly with VMFH.
- At least 10 students for a class.
- The school sponsor will coordinate with students to confirm logistics, including date and time.
- The school sponsor will communicate participation confirmation to the DWP program manager.
Interested in learning more?
Join us in shaping the future of VMFH, one student at a time. For any questions about the Diverse Workforce Pathways Program, please email cora.wyche@commonspirit.org.