St. Francis Medical Center/Lynwood Unified School District/Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation collaboration gives studentsin-class and onsite opportunity to explore fields of interest in healthcare
St. Francis Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare,in partnership with Lynwood Unified School District (LUSD) and Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation (LPEF),offeredhigh school students in the district a new classroom and onsite learning opportunitythis summer in the allied health fields — thePre-Apprenticeship Program.
The Pre-Apprenticeship Programencompassed three components: 1)Job shadowing at St. Francis Medical Center, 2) In-class coursework at the district high schools, and 3) Funding incentives for students to complete all tiers of the program, including job skill training. The program was available to Lynwood High School and Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School students enrolled in LUSD’s Project Lead the Way program, comprisingcourse electives in career paths integral to healthcare. These included biomedical science, engineering, computer science, and culinary arts.
LUSD Secondary Education Coordinator Juan Barroso said, “While students have the chance to study their areas of interest in depth through our classroom curriculum, the Pre-Apprenticeship Programexpands their exploration andunderstanding throughonsite observation and hands-on learning in a real-world context at St. Francis. It’s a chance for students to really get their feet wet and determine if a career path is the one they’d like to pursue.”
Eleven students participated in the program, with each completing24 hoursof onsitelearningover a three-week period at St. Francis. The program areas included the clinical laboratory, outpatient physical therapy, imaging, pharmacy, engineering, biomed, information technology, and food and nutrition. While shadowing leaders and staff, studentswere given practical tasks using skills they learned in the classroom and under the guidance of the healthcare professionals at the hospital.
St. Francis Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Marilou Salao said, “We were thrilled to be part of the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Healthcare is all about ongoing learning, andour hospital team felt passionate aboutmentoringthese highlymotivated young women and men who bring energy and next-generation insights tothe medical arena.”
In conjunction with the classroom and onsite components of the program was the special funding provided through Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation. Upon fulfillment of theclassroom coursework and hospital experience, students received a signed certificate and a check for $300. According to LPEF Director Elsa Chagolla, “The monetary award not only recognizes the students’ successful completion of the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, but also aims to reduce financial barriers—ensuring more students can access and benefit from this valuable opportunity.”
The students felt the program was very worthwhile and shared feedback on what they learned.
MayelCovarrubias-Gutierrez, Firebaugh High School– Imaging Department
“I’ve always wanted to work in a hospital. I am interested in radiology and becoming atechnologist. It was interesting to learn about all of the different things they do in this department, like working with patients who are going in forradiation therapy. Thisexperience met my expectations and prepared me to get to know more about this career.”
Belinda Acosta, Firebaugh High School –Clinical Laboratory
“I want to be a postpartum nurse. I chose to shadow in the lab to gain a different perspective, a behind-the-scenes look at how a patient is diagnosed. There are many areas in the lab. I found the blood bank interesting to see how the blood comes in and is used for transfusions. But my favorite area was phlebotomy. I enjoyed shadowing the phlebotomistin the ER and on the various floors. It’s a shout out to the phlebotomists for how they interact with patients, talk to them, and draw their blood. I got a patient’s perspective. I’ve always wanted to go into healthcare. This program showed me howreally excited I am to take thecourses and prerequisites in college.”
Leonardo Guzman, Lynwood High School – Physical Therapy
My career goal is to be an EMT or paramedic because I see how their carecontributes to a patient’s recovery. I did my pre-apprenticeship in physical therapy because I like having the ability to help people and see them recover. With physical therapy, you’re helping the patient recover with stretches and workouts. The program gave me the chance to see the whole span of treating someone. I also learned how important communication is. It is used as a skill not only to talk to patients, but also to learn about the injury and to get feedback on how the patient is doing.”
Cristian Diaz, Firebaugh High School – Biomed
“I am studying engineering in high school, and I shadowed in Biomed. I learned how healthcare devices work, how the technicians simulate them, and thatevery department depends on Biomed.I was able to see firsthand what is involved to workon ultrasound, blood pressure, and ECG devices, and the devices used in the ICU and other units that are critical to patient care.”
The Pre-Apprenticeship Program was developed as a one-time curriculum for this current summer; however, SFMC, LUSD, and LPEF will evaluate the program’s structure and success in meeting its goals, with the hopes of planningadditional sessions in the future.
In response to the inaugural session, Ms. Salao said the program provided benefits to both partners and participants. She said, “Students received a first-hand hospital experience, the chance to apply classroom skills in an onsite setting, and the opportunity to earn income they can use toward their continued education.And all of us –the program administrators and mentors –felt rewarded with the satisfaction of helping young people pursue their academic and career aspirations. We look forward to them working alongside us,being standouts in their respective fields, and caring for patients and this community, soon!”
