The New Jewish Home’s Geriatrics Career Development program is giving New York high school volunteers some hands-on experience with senior living and care along with free training for entry-level health jobs.
Open to students in 10th through 12 grades, the three-year program enrolls approximately 225 students annually. The youth provide more than 8,000 hours of companionship, activities and clinical care to older adults each year.
Since its inception, the program has helped more than 700 high school students from 10 under-resourced schools in New York through volunteer opportunities at New Jewish Home facilities. In addition to hands-on experience, students receive academic tutoring and mentors to help with professional development.
The students have the opportunity to graduate with healthcare certifications that allow them to immediately seek employment afterward. In addition, they are eligible for paid internships during their senior years.
The New Jewish Home network boasts a 99% high school graduation rate. More than 150 of its volunteers have gone on to graduate from college. Six former students are enrolled in medical school, and two are enrolled in Ph.D. programs.
Graduating classes average $1 million in scholarships/aid annually.
