’26-’27 Student Fellows Are Ready to Make an Impact

Last week, 42 Lynn high school students took their first steps

into the 2026–2027 Community Health Student Fellowship Program at Lynn Community Health Center.

Over four days of orientation, students got to know LCHC, met leaders and staff from across the organization, built connections with one another, and began preparing for a year of learning, mentorship, professional development and community impact. This orientation was designed to be an introduction to a workplace, but also, significantly, an opportunity for students to see themselves as part of the future of community health.

The week opened with a welcome to LCHC and an introduction to the mission and history of community health centers. Students heard from CEO Brenda Rodriguez and Chief People Officer Tracey Albertson, toured LCHC sites, and learned more about the people, services and teams that make the organization work.

“Every single day, we think about our community, the people we serve, the patients we serve, and what they need. As you enter this program, you’re part of this community, a health center that takes care of people and a village of colleagues that have your back. You are the future workforce, and so over this year, whether you choose to pursue a career in health care directly or not, you will understand how important it is to this community and our local economy. I’m very proud to work in community health care, and to be a patient, and daily experience and shape the power of community health,” said Brenda Rodriguez, CEO.

Students then began building the skills they will need to succeed in a healthcare environment. Sessions on confidentiality, compliance, patient services, professional communication, cultural awareness, safety and conflict resolution gave students a foundation for navigating the workplace with confidence and care. A career panel featuring leaders from across LCHC also gave students a closer look at the many different paths and roles within a community health center.

Mentorship was another central part of the week. Students learned how to make the most of feedback and self-reflection, explored professional development opportunities, and heard directly from current mentors about their experiences. They also connected with resources and partners including LEAP for Education, MassHire and the Boston College Resilience Collaborative—building a network of support that will extend well beyond orientation.

By the final day, the focus shifted from preparation to possibility. Students learned more about their fellowship expectations and their role as advocates for their communities, explored LCHC’s work addressing hypertension, and heard from fellowship alumni about what their own first year was like. The week closed with community-building, questions, connections with school representatives and, of course, a group photo to mark the beginning of something new.

Now, orientation is over, and the real journey begins.

Throughout the fellowship year, students will gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, connect with mentors and learn what it means to contribute to a community health organization. They will have opportunities to explore healthcare careers while building the confidence, relationships and knowledge that can shape what comes next.

We’re excited to welcome the 2026–2027 fellowship cohort to LCHC!