Adventist Health Portland’s Student Healthcare Leaders (SHL) program is an after-school initiative for high school students in Oregon and southwest Washington. The program provides hands-on experiences across various hospital services, including robotic surgery, nursing, and IT. Students gain behind-the-scenes insights into healthcare careers aimed at increasing their confidence to pursue these paths. The program supports students, especially those without connections in the healthcare field, by offering mentorship and personal connections. Students meet weekly to explore interconnected roles in community care. Now in its 10th year, SHL has hosted nearly 200 students from over 30 high schools in Oregon and southwest Washington. One alum currently works at Adventist Health Portland, while different healthcare providers employ many others, and several graduates have gone on to attend medical or nursing school.

Why We Did It

Adventist Health Portland created the SHL program to address the need for a more skilled healthcare workforce while providing high school students with exposure to healthcare careers. Many students do not have role models in the medical field, and the program aims to inspire confidence and interest in pursuing healthcare professions. By fostering connections and offering real-world experiences, Adventist Health Portland seeks to contribute to developing the next generation of healthcare workers.

Topics: Workforce Development