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Local Students Graduate from Spectrum Health Lakeland GROWTH Internship
Aug 23, 2022

(ST. JOSEPH) – Spectrum Health Lakeland congratulated 22 local high school students who completed the 2022 GROWTH internship program. The seven-week program includes a combination of guided real-world experience and work training at a hospital system.

“The GROWTH internship program began in 2020 as a response to provide more access and opportunities in clinical and other hospital positions for youth, in order to increase diversity across our organization,” says community programs supervisor, Spectrum Health Lakeland, Ashlee Offord. “We are working toward building a healthcare career pipeline with the communities of Benton Harbor and Niles.”

Over 25 different departments host interns and provide support to students in their path towards post-secondary education. GROWTH interns also complete a course through Lake Michigan College and receive two college credits during this program.

“The GROWTH Internship gave me the experience I needed to start my journey toward becoming a nurse. I am starting as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) until I work my way up,” said 2022 GROWTH intern, Camari Whitehead.

GROWTH interns age from 16 to 19 years old and reside in Benton Harbor or Niles, attend a Benton Harbor or Niles area high school, or attend a school of choice while living in Benton Harbor or Niles. Applications for the Summer 2023 class will open March 2023.

To learn more about the program, visit www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/2022growth