Health Career Pathways

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Vision

CCH Health Career Pathways' (HCP) vision is to develop career pathways from the historically marginalized communities that disproportionately experience health and wealth inequities, with the aim to prepare a future health workforce that centers equity as well as reflects and respects the rich racial and lived experiences of the populations we serve.

For more information on how to apply for internships or become an HCP Mentor, email careerpathways@cchealth.org

Our Approach

HCP's high school-focused program develops partnerships with high schools, colleges and community-based partners to achieve four strategic outcomes with youth and young adults:

Critical thinking skills and identity development through participation in a trauma-informed health equity curriculum;
Exposure to a wide variety of health professions and connection to local health partners working on issues and initiatives in their communities;
Increased professionalism and leadership skills development through mentorship; and
Increased college-and-career preparedness through paid project-based learning and internship opportunities.

Background

The program launched in 2013 as part of The California Endowment's Healthy Richmond Initiative in partnership with CCH Community Wellness and Prevention Program. CCH staff piloted Alameda County's "Public Health Solutions (PHS)", a curriculum and internship model within De Anza High School's health academy to instruct students on the principles of public health, careers in the field, the social determinants of health, health equity, and the "isms." Select students were awarded paid summer internships in CCH and community health settings and received ongoing professional development and academic guidance.

Since 2013, over 1000 students from Mt. McKinley, West Contra Costa Unified, Mt. Diablo Unified, Pittsburg Unified, and Antioch Unified School Districts have participated in the PHS curriculum, and 200 have been successfully placed in summer internships. Many have also participated in volunteer clinical shadowing experiences within our Regional Medical Center and community health centers in a partnership with our Contra Costa Family Medicine Residency Program.

In 2019, the Public Health Solutions program was re-branded as Health Career Pathways (HCP) and became an education and employment equity initiative housed within the CCH Office of the Director.

Agency Partners

Learn more about our agency partners.

Testimonials from Interns and Mentors

I truly enjoyed my whole PHS internship experience. It wasn't something I was doing to just keep me busy during the summer. I actually learned skills I can use in my life. A personal favorite of mine was the clinical shadowing. I was able to see what it was really like being in each health career. From the few professions I shadowed, I made confident decisions on what I want to do in the future.
Intern, 09/10/2019
This was definitely a great experience. It reminded me of my passion for youth empowerment: dialogue and youth centered programming.
Mentor, 07/05/2018
I loved every part of my site, from the very first day, where I felt so welcomed, to the last, where I was so sad to go. My preceptors gave me a better understanding of my community and encouraged me to follow my heart.
Intern, 08/20/2017
This internship made me more interested in a public health career, because I was given this amazing opportunity to see 'behind-the-scenes' on how an organization is ran. I've always been interested in public health, but this internship solidified it for me.
Intern, 08/12/2016

Get Involved

Please fill out this interest form to get involved with our programming and receive updates on local resources/opportunities.

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