Atrium Health Navicent Opens Summer REACH Program for High School Students

MACON, Georgia – Atrium Health Navicent is now accepting applications for its four-week summer REACH program, giving high school sophomores and juniors a hands-on introduction to careers in health care.

The Realizing and Encouraging Adolescents to pursue Careers in Healthcare (REACH) program is designed for students who want real-world exposure beyond the classroom. Participants will shadow health care professionals, take part in medical skills simulations, attend educational field trips, and receive mentoring focused on professional development and career exploration.

Students will be able to explore a wide range of interest areas, including nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, radiology, physical therapy, occupational and speech therapy, laboratory services, health care administration, and medical practice management.

“Since REACH was launched in 2024, we’ve had two successful cohorts of young people who have had the opportunity to get in-depth and in-person experience in health care careers,” said Sheila Rawlins, Workforce Development and Career Innovations manager for Advocate Health. “We hope this program will not only encourage students in their educational journey, but also eventually lead them to fill the need for professional health care workers right here in central Georgia.”

The program runs from June 8 through July 2. Applications are open now and must be submitted by February 6. The application process includes an essay and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school administrator.

To be eligible, students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program, have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5, demonstrate interest in a health care career, and be able to participate for the full four weeks if selected.

Students attending high schools in Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Jones, Peach, Twiggs, and Wilkinson counties are encouraged to apply.

Participating facilities include Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin, Atrium Health Navicent Peach, and Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital.

To learn more or to apply, click here. You can also download the informational flyer here.