More Than a Program: Supporting Students Pursuing Careers in Care

This month, we officially launched our new program, Careers in Care. Designed to support students pursuing healthcare degrees, Careers in Care helps reduce the barriers they may face on their path to graduation. By investing in these students, we are also investing in the future of our communities and strengthening the healthcare workforce across Western New York.

Launching this program has been a collaborative effort months in the making. From developing recruitment materials and creating the application process to meeting with prospective students and community partners, every step has been guided by a shared commitment to student success.

This program would not be possible without the dedication of healthcare program directors at colleges and universities throughout Western New York, who helped spread the word and connect students with this opportunity. We are also grateful to our community partners who are helping build key components of the program, including Danise Wilson for mentorship, Desmond Davis for life-skills training, Takesha Leonard for mental health services, and the Rural Area Health Education Center for their collaboration and support.

In its first year, Careers in Care has 46 available spots for students who live and attend school in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties. We are excited to share that 28 students have already been accepted into the program. This inaugural cohort includes:

• 10 students pursuing a Medical Degree

• 11 students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• 3 students pursuing a Master of Physician Assistant Studies

• 3 students pursuing a Master of Social Work

• 1 student pursuing a Licensed Mental Health Counseling degree

As participants of Careers in Care, these students will have access to mentorship, networking opportunities, life-skills training, mental health services, and financial assistance to help them succeed throughout their educational journey.

What makes this group especially inspiring is the diversity of their backgrounds, experiences, and career aspirations. Some hope to specialize in hospice and palliative care, while others are passionate about organ transplantation and other critical areas of healthcare. Several students have shared that their own experiences receiving compassionate care during difficult times inspired them to pursue careers in healthcare so they can give back to others. Their passion, resilience, and dedication make us excited for the future of healthcare in Western New York.

Looking ahead, we are focused on filling the remaining 18 spots in our first cohort while continuing to provide meaningful support to every student in the program. Beyond this inaugural year, Careers in Care will expand to serve 50 students annually from 2027 through 2030, allowing us to invest in even more future healthcare professionals. We are honored to be part of these students' journeys and look forward to watching the lasting impact they will make in their communities.