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Lakeland Establishes Summer Job Program for African American, Latinx Students
Jul 10, 2020

(ST. JOSEPH) – Spectrum Health Lakeland has established a six-week summer job program for African American and Latinx students, which is set to begin on Monday, July 13. The GROWTH (Guided Real-World Orientation and Work Training at the Hospital) program aims to respond to the shortage of African American and Latinx associates in clinical and nonclinical positions by creating a career pipeline between area students and Lakeland.

Twenty students ages 16 to 19 will participate in the program, which emphasizes mentorship, professional competency and training, and health care career exploration. Students are matched with a mentor and department of interest within the health system where they’ll spend 30 to 40 hours a week gaining hands on experience and professional development tools. The program also includes weekly debriefing sessions, a capstone project, and additional support for success.

“Not only does this program provide students with valuable life skills and professional development opportunities, by exposing them to many dimensions of the health care workforce, it also helps to build trustful relationships between the communities they call home and Lakeland,” said Lynn Todman, PhD, vice president health equity, Spectrum Health Lakeland. “The program is also a rich opportunity for Lakeland team members to enhance their own development by learning more about the people and communities we serve.”

GROWTH is a collaboration between Lakeland and community partners including the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor, YMCA of Greater Michiana, Bridge Academy, powered by Michigan Works!, Benton Harbor Area Schools, and Whirlpool Corporation.