How Kaiser Permanente prepares students for their future
Schools out for Summer! So goes the rock and roll song, but while most teens are relaxing and enjoying themselves, for a number of high school students summer is taking on a different tune. Thirteen teenagers from throughout San Mateo County are working to open doors for their future careers by joining Kaiser Permanente’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).
The teens go through the traditional interview process and are placed in a department that best matches their goals and skills at either Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco or Redwood City Medical Center. They are learning basic job skills, conflict resolution skills, diversity and the value of working as part of a team.
In addition to working in a medical setting, the program provides valuable experience with community service opportunities. For example, a number of students will volunteer at the Second Harvest Food Bank.
“Not a day in the Summer Youth Program has been monotonous”, said Christabelle Pabalan, an incoming senior working in South San Francisco in physical therapy.“I find myself hoping that I will work here one day”.
She and the other students perform various non-medical tasks from administrative duties to medical assistance, by the end of this summer the students will have a better understanding of what is involved in providing excellent care for patients, and the rewards that can come with a career in healthcare.
“I was able to spend some time in cardiology, a field that I am really interested in” said Erica Gutierrez a Carlmont High School student working in Public Affairs. “Cardiologist, Michael Ho, was very friendly and gave me some encouraging words about my future. He also showed me how ultrasounds work and introduced me to his colleagues, it was awesome!”
The program, started in 1968, has benefited more than 18,000 students across Kaiser Permanente’s service area. During this time, many of the interns have gone on to bigger and better things. In fact, Bernard Tyson, Kaiser Permanente’s Chairman and CEO, began his career as an intern at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center administrative offices.
The Summer Youth Employment Program or SYEP is under the direction of Elizabeth Lee. She can be contacted by email at Elizabeth.L.Lee@kp.org
Kaiser Summer Interns 2014