Health Career
Exploration Program

For the past two years, LeadingAge California Foundation has brought education and initiatives to young individuals looking to pursue healthcare careers thanks to funding from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). This initiative focuses on empowering high school students to explore diverse career opportunities dedicated to serving older adults. The program is committed to actively supporting and motivating underrepresented and disadvantaged individuals to pursue careers in healthcare, to cultivate a more culturally and linguistically diverse healthcare workforce.

Goals for HCEP

LeadingAge California Foundation’s intent is to empower individuals by providing comprehensive resources and support that promote careers in health professions, particularly for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. The focus is on fostering inclusive environments where diverse talent can thrive in healthcare settings.

Goals

1. Educational Outreach: Organize workshops, webinars and in-person opportunities that inform participants about various health career opportunities, helping them understand the paths available in the healthcare field.

2. Career Exposure: Create hands-on experiences that allow participants to interact with healthcare professionals in real or simulated settings, thereby enhancing their understanding of different health careers.

3. Networking Opportunities: Organize opportunities to connect participants with potential employers and mentors, fostering valuable relationships within the health profession community.

Through these efforts, the initiative supports the development of a strong network of opportunities that increase representation in health professions and contribute to more equitable healthcare access.

Program Overview

The Health Careers Exploration Program aims to introduce high school students to health careers through a UC Davis Health tour, virtual webinars, and health community tours focused on older adult care. The UC Davis Health tour will provide exposure to various health professions and networking, while the webinars will highlight pathways to healthcare careers, such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and the impact of health professional shortages on older adults. The program will offer hands-on learning, mentorship, volunteer opportunities, and structured reflection activities. Collectively, these efforts will inspire students to pursue health careers and ensure equitable access to resources that make entering the healthcare workforce easier.

Evaluation

The program's effectiveness will be evaluated through surveys that measure changes in student knowledge, interest in health careers, and intentions for further training. Metrics collected will include attendance data, demographics, and engagement metrics at each event, along with qualitative student reflections and testimonials. Feedback from site mentors will provide insights into engagement and program design. 

Schedule

The program will be active from February 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.

Scholarship Opportunities

To Pursue a Career in Healthcare

• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program: This program provides tuition, fees, and a stipend for students in medical, dental, nursing, and physician assistant programs in exchange for a commitment to serve in high-need areas.
• Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: This scholarship covers tuition, fees, and offers a monthly stipend for nursing students. It requires a minimum two-year service commitment at an eligible facility.
• Allied Healthcare Scholarship Program (California): This program supports students in various Allied Health professions who agree to work in underserved areas.
• GoodRx Helps 2024 Students for Healthcare Equity Scholarship: This scholarship offers $5,000 annually, renewable up to $20,000, for students from underrepresented groups.
• FHE Health 2024 Hope for Healing Scholarship: A $5,000 scholarship available for students pursuing degrees in mental health, behavioral health, psychology, nursing, or addiction medicine.
• Tylenol Future Care Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to healthcare.

Specialty & Demographic-Specific Scholarships 

• Nursing: The Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation offers $1,000 scholarships.
• Medical/Osteopathic: The William G. Anderson, DO, Scholarship Fund provides $10,000 to minority osteopathic students.
• Mental Health: The Arne Hyson Memorial Scholarship supports students in mental health fields.
• Health Technology: The Schlosser Healthcare Risk Equilibrium Scholarship focuses on health informatics and data science.

Other Scholarships through the California Department of Health Care Access and Information

Tips for Securing Scholarships

• Complete the FAFSA: This is essential for accessing federal, state, and institutional aid, whether it’s need-based or merit-based.
• Explore State Resources: Many states offer scholarship programs, such as California's Behavioral Health or Allied Healthcare initiatives.
• Look into Professional Organizations: Associations related to specific fields, such as nursing or dentistry, often provide scholarship funds.
• Check University Opportunities: Top medical schools like UCLA and Duke offer full-tuition or full-ride scholarships.

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If you have any questions about this program, please contact education@leadingageca.org.