LCHC Launches Student Fellowship Program to Empower Youth in Healthcare

Lynn, MA – February 12, 2025

Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC) is proud to announce the launch of our Community Health Student Fellowship Program, a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering local youth, aged 15 to 20, to take charge of their health and wellness. This program is designed to close the life expectancy gap in Lynn, Massachusetts, by fostering a new generation of healthcare leaders.

The fellowship targets high school students residing in Lynn, focusing on neighborhoods experiencing high rates of poverty and health risks. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and real-world exposure to healthcare careers, participants will become health advocates within their families and communities.

Key Program Components:

1. Learning Collaborative: Students will receive education on health risk factors, particularly hypertension, healthcare navigation, and self-advocacy skills. Advanced students will have opportunities to “peer teach,” reinforcing their learning and leadership abilities.
2. Mentorship: Each student will be paired with a mentor from the healthcare field, engaging in regular sessions 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 will lead community health initiatives, including health fairs, voter registration, and advocacy at local, state, and national levels. They will collaborate with 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 will allow students to explore various healthcare professions, from nursing to medical assistance to health data analysis. This exposure will help students understand the diverse career paths available to them.
5. At-Home Care: Participants will receive training on home blood pressure monitoring and telehealth care for themselves and their families, applying their learning in real-world settings.

The program is set to 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. Participants will have the option to continue in the program as they progress through high school.

“This multi-faceted program will empower Lynn youth to explore dynamic healthcare roles, become patient advocates, and address the biggest health challenges impacting their families and community,” said Brenda Rodriguez, CEO of Lynn Community Health Center. “We are excited to partner with local schools and organizations and are grateful to the Atrius Health Equity Foundation for recognizing the potential this program has to promote youth as change agents.”

LCHC’s key collaborators for this program include Lynn Public Schools, LEAP for Education, Mass General Brigham, and the Lynn Education District.

Applications Now Open

Applications for the Community Health Student Fellowship and the Community Steering Committee are now open and can be accessed online at LCHC’s website. Applications are due by March 12th.

• Students applying for the fellowship should be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors.
• For the Community Steering Committee, we are seeking students, parents, or guardians residing in Lynn who are passionate about shaping health initiatives in the community.

About Lynn Community Health Center:

Established in 1971, Lynn Community Health Center is a non-profit, multicultural community health center dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive healthcare to the residents of Lynn, Massachusetts. Recognized as a leader in developing innovative initiatives, LCHC strives to remove and reduce all barriers to healthcare, ensuring equitable access for all.

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