Student Internships in Health Professions

Go to the 2010 Project H.O.P.E. Student Application

Background

In 2001, the Washington State Board of Health published a report on health disparities. This report stated that many Washington citizens did not have adequate access to health care services and experienced high levels of disease and premature death. Individuals at increased risk of not receiving adequate health care include racial, cultural and linguistic minorities, people with low incomes and individuals from rural communities.

Studies show that health disparities can be addressed by developing a workforce that mirrors the diversity of the population it serves. This is the goal of Project H.O.P.E. (Health Occupations Preparatory Experience).

The State Board of Health identified the elimination of health disparities as one of its priorities. The Board believes it is possible to improve our state's health and health care system by increasing the diversity of its workforce.

Project Description

In response to the State Board of Health, the Department of Health established a program to provide high school students from communities underrepresented in the health care professions the opportunity to work in a health career. Project H.O.P.E. interns have the chance to see if a health career is good choice for them. They can develop relationships with health care providers and see what educational and training resources and support are necessary to reach their career goals.

Project H.O.P.E. provides high school students four to six week, paid internships at local health care facilities. Interns work under the supervision of staff from hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and social service organizations. In addition to working regular, 20 hour per week shifts, Project H.O.P.E. interns are required to maintain a daily journal of their experiences. Project H.O.P.E. interns gain valuable insight in a professional work environment as well as an introduction to health care careers.

Included below is a brief account of the summer experience of a 2007 Project H.O.P.E.intern.

Erick Rodriguez's H.O.P.E. Experience

Coordination

Project HOPE is coordinated by the Office of Community and Rural Health and is administered regionally by the state's two Area Health Education Centers, who have ongoing relationships with educational facilities to further develop health occupational careers. Each year, 50 students from across the state participate in Project HOPE.

Facilities in Western Washington offering internship opportunities have included:

• Auburn Regional Medical Center - Auburn
• Forks Community Hospital - Forks
• Grays Harbor Community Hospital - Aberdeen
• Kaiser Permanente - Vancouver Clinics
• Mason General Hospital - Shelton
• Morton General Hospital - Morton
• MultiCare Medical Center - Tacoma
• Ocean Beach Hospital - Ilwaco
• Overlake Hospital Medical Center - Bellevue
• Pacific County Health Department - South Bend
• Providence Hospital - Centralia
• Providence Hospital - Everett
• Pope's Kids Place - Centralia
• Puget Sound Veterans' Administration Hospital - Seattle
• SeaMar Community Health Center - Everson
• ElderHealth - Seattle
• SeaMar Community Health Center - Seattle
• Shoalwater Bay Tribal Clinic - Tokeland
• Stevens Hospital - Edmonds
• St. Francis Hospital - Federal Way
• St. Francis Hospital - Tacoma
• St. Joseph Medical Center - Tacoma
• University of Washington Medical Center - Seattle
• Valley Medical Center - Renton
• American Red Cross - Western Washington
• Puget Sound Blood Center - Seattle
• Willapa Valley Hospital - South Bend

2009 Application and Flyer

Application packets are due to Western Washington AHEC on March 27, 2009. Please make sure that all pages are filled out, and that both the student and the parent/guardian have signed the application, if applicable. Transcripts and personal references may be sent under separate cover; the student's essays and advisor form should accompany the application.

Summer 2009

Staff from the Office of Community and Rural Heath and the Area Health Education Centers are working hard to broaden the scope of Project HOPE for next summer by offering additional internship opportunities as well as utilizing more facilities. If you are interested in participating, contact:

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Page updated 10/29/2009