This summer, the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership hosted a series of hands-on healthcare career exploration programs for area middle and high school students. UNC Wilmington’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) hosted the Interdisciplinary Health Professions Summer Summit (HPSS), the Interdisciplinary Health Education for Aspiring Leaders (iHEAL), and the Novant Health VITALS Accelerator Program. CHHS and New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) teamed up for Future Health Scholars, while the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce (WCC) introduced a new summer camp experience for students interested in healthcare careers through its Career and Leadership Development Academy (CLDA). Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) partnered with New Hanover County Schools to offer Camp Med and the Career Academy. Through these initiatives, students engaged in immersive experiences designed to build career awareness, college readiness, and workforce connections, all aimed at ultimately recruiting. 

Fifteen ninth through twelfth graders participated in Camp Med Start where they explored sonography, dental assisting and hygiene, as well as pharmacy, medical laboratory, and surgical technician programs at CFCC. They also toured CHHS’s simulation learning labs. Three hundred New Hanover and Pender County middle schoolers participated in a two-week Career Academy, made possible through an Economic Workforce Development grant. Students explored nurse aide, nursing, occupational therapy assisting, dental assisting, and dental hygiene programs at CFCC. 

 iHEAL is a free, four-day, three-night healthcare exposure opportunity allowing rising ninth grade students from six regional counties to explore majors in CHHS and healthcare careers while staying overnight at UNCW. Alongside partners at UNC Health, UNC School of Medicine, and Novant Health, CHHS faculty and staff facilitated interactive simulations in labs and learning spaces, including respiratory therapy intubations, TRX training, 3D digital anatomy, and virtual reality workshops, and joint support and immobilization clinics. iHEAL recently finished its fourth year and to date 120 students have completed the camp, thus creating a pipeline of prospective UNCW students interested in healthcare majors and potentially increasing the future southeastern North Carolina healthcare workforce.  

iHPSS is a free, two-week healthcare career program for local high school students, hosted by CFCC and CHHS. Through lectures, labs, and team case studies, students explore health science majors and career paths. Guided by faculty and healthcare professionals, participants learned emergency care, patient communication, nutrition, health promotion, and teamwork. In its first year, iHPSS served 20 students, offering exposure to healthcare careers and connections to UNCW. Participants receive a waived UNCW application fee and a $2,000 scholarship if they enroll. 

The Future Health Scholars program featured 30 rising fifth through twelfth graders from NHCS who visited CHHS with the New Hanover Health Science Academy. Students continued a case study focused on respiratory therapy, athletic training, and gerontology. They gained hands-on experience and learned about these professions’ vital roles in patient care and community health. Additionally, students practiced their skills in an immersive nursing simulation. For many, this experience deepened their interest in healthcare and inspired future goals of impact, service, and purpose. 

The VITALS program aims to provide guided support to UNCW students preparing for careers in nursing by addressing financial, academic, and personal challenges that may impact their ability to complete their degrees. Split into two cohorts, the 22 Vitals Cohort 1 scholars engaged in a weekend of community building and medical training. Scholars earned CPR certifications, completed Stop the Bleed training, and participated in a Suture Clinic. They toured Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, exploring nursing specialties and connecting with professionals about future careers. They also met with CHHS and School of Nursing leadership. This intentional experience promoted reflection, learning, and growth individually and as a cohort.  

The 19 Vitals Cohort 2 scholars attended a free, five-week summer experience at UNCW, sponsored by Novant Health. The program was designed to build community, connect students to campus resources, and offer Novant-led workshops. Scholars earned CPR and Stop the Bleed certifications and completed two university courses, developing study habits and teamwork skills. Students volunteered in the community as well. Throughout, scholars explored their personal “why” for nursing, gaining self-awareness and clarity on their values. This experience prepared them academically and socially for nursing and emphasized compassionate service. 

The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce (WCC) launched its Career and Leadership Development Academy (CLDA) in 2022 to equip young people with leadership and employability skills. Rooted in the Portrait of a Graduate framework, developed under former NC Department of Public Instruction leadership, the program emphasizes adaptability, collaboration, empathy, and other soft skills essential for success. In June, the Davis Community hosted the first CLDA Healthcare and Hospitality Career Experience, welcoming 18 rising eighth through tenth graders for a free, three-day program. Students toured facilities, completed Dementia Friends training, learned CPR and defibrillator use, and engaged in hands-on projects alongside professionals and residents. 

For participants, the camp went beyond career exploration to foster personal growth. Students described becoming more empathetic and understanding of healthcare workers and residents, while also gaining practical skills such as active listening, clear communication, leadership, and even table setting and patient interaction. The experience culminated in a celebratory luncheon where students demonstrated what they had learned, reinforcing the CLDA’s mission to prepare the next generation not just as future employees, but as compassionate leaders in their community. 

With strong support from The Endowment and community partners, these programs are helping to shape the region’s future healthcare workforce. Students gained real-world insight, professional mentorship, and access to industry-leading resources. Partnerships and programs like this bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness. As a result, students see the possibilities of a career in healthcare and can develop a plan with the resources needed to be successful. We aim to encourage students to study and stay local, helping reduce healthcare workforce shortages. 

For more information about the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership, visit newhanoverhealthcarecareerpartnership.com.