ARH ACCESS Project is an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing the future workforce of Central Appalachia by increasing awareness about diverse career paths available in healthcare and other fields within the region.

This project addresses the misconception that success requires leaving one’s home community, and instead, it highlights the potential for thriving careers right here in Appalachia. Our goal is to engage K-12 students in meaningful, hands-on experiences and showcase the wide range of opportunities within our region, fostering a deeper commitment to community well-being.

Program Concept Plan

Foundation Building (K-3)

Coloring Books & Storybooks: Featuring healthcare careers.

Story Sessions: ARH staff sharing stories relating to their roles.

Interactive Learning (Grades 4-5):

Engaging Videos: Highlighting various healthcare professions.

Hands-on Demonstrations: Showing simple healthcare tasks.

First-Aid Lessons: Teach basic first-aid skills.

Experiential Learning (Grades 6-8):

Career Fairs: Various ARH employees setting up at schools to share information relating to their roles.

Guided Tours: Visits to ARH facilities.

Healthcare Camp: Learning basic healthcare skills and simulations.

Career Pathways (Grades 9-12):

Specialized Tours: In-depth look at various careers onsite at ARH facilities.

College Collaborations: Connecting with higher education to schedule college tours and
in-classroom presentations about healthcare programs.

Shadowing Experiences: Student shadowing in real-world healthcare environments with positions of their interest.

Internships: Structured work experience within ARH facilities to gain hands-on experience in various healthcare professions.

The ARH ACCESS Project will be piloted in Spring 2025, with a full launch planned in 2026. The pilot will allow us to refine the program and ensure its effectiveness before scaling it across other ARH communities. Our vision is to create a sustainable model that can be replicated in various regions, ultimately building a strong, local workforce that honors our community’s unique values and aspirations.

“We are excited to launch the ARH ACCESS Project. By providing students with the resources and confidence to envision their future careers within the region, we hope to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and community leaders. This project is about building a strong, sustainable workforce that honors our community’s unique values and aspiration.”

– Dylon Baker, ARH Assistant Vice President of Workforce Initiatives

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