Discover Exciting Health Care Careers: LMH Health Summer Program Welcomes Students!

Choosing a career can be tough, especially for high school students. The LMH Health Summer Leadership Academy offers a valuable chance for those interested in health care to explore potential paths.

In its seventh year, this eight-week paid mentorship program brings together LMH Health and the City of Lawrence. It helps students learn about careers in health care and local government while connecting with community leaders. At the end, participants receive scholarships for further education, funded by donations to the LMH Health Foundation.

According to Erica Hill, the director of health equity at LMH Health, the Academy promotes personal and professional growth. “It allows students to explore various roles in health care,” she says, noting an emphasis on administration, medicine, and allied health.

Participants enjoy a wealth of experiences, including:

• Career coaching
• Field trips and workshops
• Mentorship from executives
• Volunteer opportunities
• Scholarships for further education

To apply, students must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors. The selection process includes a letter of recommendation, academic transcripts, and interviews. This year’s cohort features eight students from various high schools, each eager to make the most of their experiences.

Participants are matched with mentors from LMH Health or city departments. This year, mentors include leaders from all sectors, offering students invaluable insights into both health care and city management.

Many students shadow professionals in departments like pharmacy and social work. For some, like Jacob Wang and Gabe Campbell, the experience included learning about city operations firsthand, visiting departments like Parks and Recreation and even going on a police ride-along. “It’s been eye-opening to see how the city functions,” Wang shared.

Students also get a glimpse into how health care decisions are made. “I didn’t realize how many people are involved in healthcare decision-making,” Karen Cruz Santos noted after attending executive meetings.

Additionally, the Academy fosters awareness of community resources. Phoebe Cain was surprised to learn about the Haskell Indian Health Services clinic, which provides essential services to underserved populations. “I found it interesting to see how they offer care in a small clinic,” she said.

Feedback from participants shows the program’s lasting impact. “All the connections I’ve made are so important,” said Allison Allison, underlining the value of networking. Aaminah Ahmed emphasized the leadership skills gained, encouraging others to take a chance on applying despite any doubts.

The LMH Health Summer Leadership Academy not only equips students with knowledge but also fosters confidence and community awareness. It’s a powerful step toward their future careers in health care and beyond.

For more insights into health care careers and community services, check out resources from [Health Resources & Services Administration](https://www.hrsa.gov) or the [Institute of Medicine](https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/institute-of-medicine).

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