CONNECTING STUDENTS TO CAREERS

Project H.O.P.E.

(Health Occupations Preparatory Experience)

 

Project H.O.P.E. was the first actual experience related to the field of health care and medicine that I've had. I felt that Project H.O.P.E. still was a good opportunity to discover what it was like working in a hospital/clinic setting and observe what different healthcare professionals do.”

Project H.O.P.E places high school students in six-week paid (stipend) internships at local health facilities. Students from rural areas, populations under-represented in the health professions and/or first generation college-bound are encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by March of each year. To gain experience in a broad variety of health professions, interns rotate through several settings under the supervision of staff from hospitals, medical and dental clinics, and long-term care facilities.

In 2010, the Washington state legislature eliminated funding for Project H.O.P.E, which meant no student placements for 2011. Fortunately, not all hope was lost as WWAHEC was able to secure funding that allowed us to place three high school students in Project H.O.P.E internships during Summer 2011. Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, GCI ConnectMD, the Washington State Department of Health and WWAHEC board members all provided funding to allow us to place the three students this summer. Two of the students will be at Snoqualmie Valley Hospital and one at a dental clinic in King County.

 

 

WWAHEC continues to seek funding that will allow us to continue the program in 2012. If funding becomes available, we will make an announcement, accept applications and place students as funds allow. Click here if you would like to make a donation to support Project H.O.P.E.

 

Contact Jana Lindner at WWAHEC with questions, information or funding opportunities that may benefit this program.