High School Students Learn about Healthcare Careers at Beebe Medical Center through Upward Bound Program
Miesha Feddiman, an 11th grader at Sussex Central High School, knows the career path she would like to follow, thanks to her summer work study program at Beebe Medical Center.
As a participant in the Classic Upward Bound Program (CUB), offered through Delaware Technical Community College, she had the opportunity to observe lab technicians at work, testing and analyzing specimens as part of the diagnosis process. The CUB work study program introduces high school students to different careers and involves choosing a field of interest, visiting a particular site, and recording their individual experiences.
“The work study component is a great addition to the Upward Bound program,” says Cheryl Miller, Classic Upward Bound program manager. “It helps participants by exposing them to careers requiring a postsecondary degree, and gives them a better understanding of the skills and preparation needed to enter those careers.”
Since the summer of 2010, about 60 students have gone through the CUB summer work study program, with 24 students, or 40%, gaining insight about the medical field while completing their work study at Beebe Medical Center.
“The work study at Beebe has shown me a career field that I’ve never seen before,” says Amber Watson, an 11th grader at Indian River High School. “The program allows me to experience the job first hand, rather than from a classroom setting, which I find to be beneficial.”
For Beebe Medical Center, the program provides another opportunity to partner with others in the community to improve health and well-being.
“Our staff enjoys meeting and mentoring these students,” says Steve Rhone, RN, BSN, MS, NE-BC, Vice President of Patient Care Services. “They bring lots of energy with them. At the same time, these young people are learning about real job opportunities in the healthcare field. And you never know, they may come back to work at Beebe one day.”
This summer, Miesha chose, for the second time, to attend her work study experience at Beebe Medical Center.
“Doing this work study at Beebe has helped me find out which specific career I want to enter in the medical field. Having the opportunity to observe the laboratory made me realize that it is where I see myself working in the future.”
Upward Bound Programs, both Classic UB and UB Math & Science, are federally funded nationwide to empower participants to complete high school and to enter and complete postsecondary education. They provide academic support, personal guidance, and enrichment services in such areas as study skills, college preparation, financial aid, financial literacy and work study.
Beebe Medical Center is a not-for-profit community healthcare system with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. It offers multiple services throughout Southern Delaware including a 210-licensed-bed hospital, a cancer center, and outpatient facilities at multiple sites providing lab, imaging, physical rehab services and walk-in care. For more information, please visit us online at www.beebemed.org
