The Community Health Student Fellowship Program, developed by Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC), is designed to close the life expectancy gap in Lynn, Massachusetts, by empowering local youth and families to take charge of their health and wellness. This program targets youth ages 15 to 20, who are actively enrolled in high school and reside within the city of Lynn, focusing on the city’s neighborhoods experiencing high rates of poverty and health risks.
The program aims to foster a new generation of healthcare leaders by providing students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to improve community health. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and real-world exposure to healthcare careers, participants will become health advocates within their own families and communities.
Become a Health Leader in Our Community!
Key Program Components:
1. Learning Collaborative
Students receive education on health risk factors, particularly hypertension, healthcare navigation, and self-advocacy skills. Advanced students have opportunities to “peer teach,” reinforcing their learning and leadership skills.
2. Mentorship
Each student is paired with a mentor from the healthcare field, with regular touchpoints focused on career exploration, job readiness, and post-secondary planning. Mentors will offer valuable guidance to help students pursue their career goals in healthcare.
3. Health Advocacy
Students take the lead in community health initiatives, including health fairs, voter registration, and advocacy at local, state, and national levels. They’ll work alongside LCHC staff and local organizations to promote health equity and engage with policymakers.
4. Healthcare Career Exposure
Monthly “Day in the Life” sessions and job shadow days allow students to explore various healthcare professions, from nursing to medical assistance to health data analysis. This exposure helps students understand the diverse career paths available to them.
5. At Home Care
Participants receive training on home blood pressure monitoring and telehealth care for themselves and their families, putting their learning into action with real-world applications.
Program Structure & Recruitment
The program will run for five school years, starting in the fall of 2025. Students are expected to commit to the program for eight months (August to May), with an orientation in either August or September. Students will have the option to continue in the program as they progress through high school. The program will be accessible to all students who reside in the city of Lynn, sophomores to seniors, with recruitment supported by LCHC’s School-Based Health Centers and community partners.
Stipends & Incentives
Each student will receive a $1,500 stipend per year to encourage full participation, offsetting costs like transportation and lost wages. Students enrolled in Lynn Public Schools will have the opportunity to receive course credit for their participation. Steering Committee members will also receive additional stipends.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is a diverse group of 5-10 individuals and made up of community partners, students, and parents from various sectors, providing strategic guidance for the Lynn Community Health Center’s Student Fellowship program. Steering committee members will be provided with a stipend for their participation in the program’s oversight. The steering committee will meet once every other month for one year.
A Vision for Lasting Change
The program is part of a broader effort by LCHC to improve the health of Lynn through systemic change. By focusing on youth, LCHC hopes to cultivate a long-term commitment to community health and create a more diverse healthcare workforce. The program will also provide valuable insights into effective strategies for increasing health equity across the region.
Through this fellowship, we aim to inspire and develop a new generation of healthcare professionals who are committed to making a difference in their communities. Join us in building a healthier, more vibrant Lynn!
FAQ's
1. What is the Community Health Student Fellowship Program?
The Community Health Student Fellowship Program is an initiative by Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC) aimed at empowering local youth to become health advocates and leaders within their families and communities. The program focuses on healthcare education, career exposure, mentorship, and health advocacy, providing youth with the skills and knowledge to improve their health and the well-being of others.
2. Who is eligible to participate in the program?
The program is open to students that are sophomores, juniors, or seniors who live in Lynn, Massachusetts. Students must have permission from a parent, guardian, or other approved adult.
3. How do I apply for the program?
Students can apply through the link at the top of the page. Student and Steering Committee applications are due no later than March 12th, 2025. Decisions will be made April 1, 2025.
4. How long is the program?
The program runs for eight months each school year, from October to May with a week-long orientation in August or September. Students can continue to participate in subsequent years as long as they meet the age requirements and remain committed to the program.
5. Is there any compensation for participating?
Yes! Each student will receive a $1,500 stipend per year to encourage active participation and help cover expenses like transportation and lost wages. Steering Committee members will receive an additional stipend.
6. How are students selected for the program?
Students are selected based on a variety of criteria including their interest in healthcare careers, community health, their program fit, and their commitment to participating in the program.
7. How does mentorship work in the program?
Each student is paired with a mentor from the healthcare field, who will meet with them at least twice a month. Mentorship sessions cover topics like career readiness, job exploration, and post-secondary planning. Mentors are also available to answer questions and guide students throughout the program.
8. What types of careers will students be exposed to?
Students will learn about a wide range of healthcare professions, including:
- Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife/Physician Assistant
- Clinical Psychologist/Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Pharmacist
- Physician/Pediatrician
- Community Health Worker
- Health Center Manager
9. Will students get hands-on experience?
Yes! Students will have opportunities for job shadowing, career presentations, and hands-on activities, such as leading health fairs and engaging in advocacy campaigns. They will also receive training on health tools like home blood pressure monitoring.
10. How is the program evaluated?
LCHC will closely monitor and evaluate the program’s effectiveness through data analysis and feedback from participants. This helps ensure continuous improvement and sustainability of the program, and it will serve as a model for future health programs in the community.
11. Why is this program important for the Lynn community?
This program aims to address disparities in health outcomes in Lynn, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. By involving youth in health education and career development, we are investing in the next generation of healthcare leaders who can help improve health outcomes in their community for years to come.
12. What happens if I need to withdraw from the program?
Students who withdraw from the program will not be eligible to re-enroll. If the student is a student studying at Lynn Public Schools, they will not be eligible to pass the internship course and they will not be paid the full stipend amount of $1,500.
13. What type of time requirements does this program have?
Students will be required to participate in activities both during the school day and after school including:
- One-hour mentorship sessions twice per month
- Four-hour observation sessions twice per month
- One full week of orientation
- Blood pressure training and monitoring
- Health advocacy projects
- Community service and health fairs
- And more
We anticipate students attending Lynn Public Schools to have 5 hours of after schoolwork per month, excluding orientation.
14. What documents are required for the application?
All applicants will be required to complete a program application, provide a letter of support from a teacher, guidance counselor, coach, boss, or other adult that is not related to the student/student care. Parents, guardians, or other approved adults will have to provide permission for the student to participate in the program.
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