Atrium Health Navicent is accepting applications for a four-week summer program that offers area high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to shadow health care workers and receive hands-on training for health care careers.

The Realizing and Encouraging Adolescents to pursue Careers in Healthcare (REACH) program includes weekly professional engagement and development activities such as medical skills simulation, educational field trips, mentoring support and education about career opportunities at Atrium Health Navicent.

Students will also shadow a professional in interest areas such as nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, radiology, health care administration, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, laboratory and medical practice management.

“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.”

The REACH program begins June 8 and lasts through July 2. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 6. The student application process includes an essay and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school administrator. To be eligible for the program, students must:

• Be at least 16 years old at the start of the program
• Have a minimum, unweighted 2.5 GPA
• Have an interest in pursuing a career in health care
• Have a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor
• Complete and submit all required application materials by the application deadline
• If selected, must be able to participate and complete all four weeks of the program

Students attending Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Jones, Peach, Twiggs and Wilkinson County high schools are encouraged to apply.

Participating Atrium Health Navicent facilities include:

• Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center
• Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin
• Atrium Health Navicent Peach
• Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital

To learn more or to apply, visit the link accessed via the QR code on the attached flyer.