09/09/2025
Twenty-eight high school students from Tacoma Public Schools spent their summer exploring community health careers through Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's new workforce pathways program.
The four-week Community Health Worker training program, developed with support from Jobs 253 and Morehouse School of Medicine, introduces students to this vital but often unknown career path. Community health workers help patients navigate challenges outside the hospital, including housing, transportation, and food security.
"For many students, this program opened a new window of opportunity and perspective into the potential role they could play in the future of health care," said Program Manager Cora Wyche.
Students concluded the program by presenting community impact projects focused on Lakewood, Tacoma, and Puyallup, researching barriers to care and available health resources in their communities.
"I had no idea there were people dedicated to helping others in the community navigate challenges and access resources they didn't even know existed," shared Daynara, a rising senior aspiring to become a pediatrician.
This initiative is part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's Diverse Workforce Pathways program, expanding healthcare career access for area youth through CommonSpirit Health's Mission and Ministry Fund.
