Pierce County Students Prepare for Community Health Careers

August 2025

Twenty two high school students from across Tacoma Public Schools kicked off their summer break on a mission: Exploring the vital role of community health workers (CHWs) through Virginia Mason Franciscan Health’s (VMFH) new training program.

During the four-week CHW training program, the students visited St. Joseph Medical Center, Franciscan Education and Support Center, and the Franciscan Bonney Lake Clinic, and engaged in a variety of activities, tours, and discussions about different health care career paths. They met with teams such as language services, security, care management, pharmacy, scheduling and registration, health informatics, and more to receive a well-rounded perspective of the teams who support patient care.

“These visits give students a chance to imagine themselves in health care roles they may never have considered,” shared Debora Schweikl, Student Healthcare Program Coordinator at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. “When they ask questions, try new skills, and see their own potential reflected in our teams, it inspires them to dream bigger and know they belong here.”

The training, launched in June by VMFH with support from Tacoma Public Schools, Jobs 253, and the Morehouse School of Medicine, aims to prepare students for careers in public and community health through structured coursework, guest speakers, and hands-on learning.

Becoming a CHW is a lesser-known career path for many students, yet it is a vital role in patient care. Community health workers are trusted frontline public health professionals who help patients and families navigate needs that affect patients outside the walls of the hospital, like housing, transportation and food security.

“For many students, this program opened a new window of opportunity and perspective into the potential role they could play in the future of health care,” explained Workforce Pathways Program Manager Cora Wyche. “Students learn that their stories, their neighborhoods, and their voices are the future of medicine.”

The program capped off with a community impact showcase and project presentations by all participants. Divided into groups focusing on Lakewood, Tacoma, and Puyallup, the students presented their in-depth research on critical issues such as barriers to care, and the availability of health, nutrition, and dental resources within their respective communities.

Daynara, a rising senior with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician, was part of the Lakewood group. "I'm incredibly grateful I applied to this program," she shared. "I had no idea there were people dedicated to helping others in the community navigate challenges and access resources they didn't even know existed."

Daynara plans to utilize the knowledge and resources gained in the program to benefit her own family and future patients.

Another student, Alejandra, said a passion for helping others has always been a driving force in her life. "One of the most significant takeaways for me was realizing the number of resources available, but also how many resources are still lacking," she reflected.

The students received certificates and pins for completing the program. More importantly though, they took away experiences that will shape their future.

"This work is so important, and these students are the future of care in our community," added LuzMarina Tejada, who leads the community health program at VMFH. "It's on all of us to do our part to make sure they succeed."