Real experiences, real impact, in the words of our students and host sites
In summer 2026, 20 students stepped into paid internships at five healthcare host sites. Here is what they and their supervisors told us, in their own words.
Growing futures:
“I learned various new things such as how to perform hemoglobin A1C tests, urine dipsticks, taking a patient’s vital signs, perform an EKG, etc. So many things which really gave me that in-person experience I needed to know what I should expect working in the medical field.”
INTERN, DEL PUERTO HEALTH CENTER
“It creates meaningful opportunities for young students to gain real-world experience while developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in their future careers. At the same time, the program benefits the community by helping develop a well-trained, compassionate workforce that is better prepared to meet local needs. We need this in our community!”
HOST EMPLOYER, DEL PUERTO HEALTH CENTER
The results speak for themselves
from both sides of the clinic
The 2026 healthcare cohort · 20 interns · 5 host sites
What the interns told us
The internship reassured or clarified their career direction
100%
Felt respected, valued, and like they belonged
100%
Comfortable asking their supervisor for a reference
100%
“It was very fun! Makes me want to become a CNA now, soon I’ll take classes!”
Intern, LLC Home Care
“There was a resident who was extremely sensitive and always in pain. When changing her I would talk to her to get her mind off the pain.”
Intern, LLC Home Care
“I acquired the skills of perseverance, dedication, time management, and communicating with children.”
Intern, Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics
“Internship supervisors had us do daily check-ins where we could discuss what we could do better and things that went well throughout the workday. It was a great opportunity to share new ideas too.”
Intern, Pacific Homecare Services
“My internship supervisor always provided me with the materials and information needed for a certain task assigned, and created a supportive environment where, any time I needed help, I wouldn’t feel that I was bothering her.”
Intern, Community Medical Centers
What host employers told us
Intern met or exceeded skill and professionalism expectations
100%
Intern integrated “Well” or “Very Well” with the team
100%
See high school youth as a viable talent pipeline
100%
“The internship program provides value by giving participants real-world experience, professional development opportunities, and exposure to potential career paths, while helping build a stronger and more skilled local workforce.”
Host employer, Community Medical Centers
“It provides guidance to younger generations and helps them connect with generations they may not be familiar with. It also provides growth opportunities for both the intern and employer. It creates a well-rounded individual to go back and contribute to their community.”
Host employer, Pacific Homecare Services
“They supported the creation and execution of a summer event for our elderly clients to feel appreciated and a sense of community.”
Host employer, Pacific Homecare Services
“Our intern provided support to our A/R Coordinator and also got me caught up with Site Accounts that needed to be closed.”
Host employer, Community Medical Centers
5.0/5
Student satisfaction
Every healthcare intern rated the program 5 out of 5.
100%
Every healthcare host said they would definitely host an intern again.
4.4/5
Employer satisfaction
100% of healthcare hosts were satisfied or extremely satisfied.
4.7/5
Student growth
Average self-rated growth in soft skills and hireability skills.
Thank you to our 2026 healthcare host sites
We are deeply grateful to our five incredible host sites for opening their doors, trusting our students with hands-on responsibilities, and offering daily guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
Healthcare Pathway Advocates
By the numbers
Our 2026 healthcare cohort came to life through Growing Futures: Preparing Youth for Healthcare Careers, an initiative funded by Healthcare Pathway Advocates and operated in partnership with San Joaquin A+.
Together, we are bridging the gap between local classrooms and the clinics that need them most. Here is a look at what we’ve built side-by-side with our community so far:
$600,000
Secured in founding grants from the Centene Foundation and Health Net to jumpstart these vital opportunities
80+
Meaningful, paid student internships fully funded
12
Foothill high schools connected to real-world healthcare pathways
5
Incredible healthcare host sites opening their doors to mentor the next generation
20
Dedicated interns in our inaugural 2026 healthcare cohort
5
Counties served across our region
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