Pathways to Health: Paid Career Program

Step into the healthcare world with this FREE, hands-on program just for 11th and 12th graders!

Over four exciting days, you’ll:

• Explore real high-demand, high-paying careers in healthcare
• Meet and learn from industry professionals
• Take on a real-world nuclear medicine challenge
• Visit Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences (transportation provided)
• Earn a $400 stipend for full participation

Program at a Glance

• Dates: March 25-28, 2026
• Location: Concord, CA
• Cost: FREE – plus $400 stipend
• Deadline to Apply: January 28, 2026
• Sponsors: Making Waves Education Foundation + Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
• Spots are limited: 25 students will be selected

⚠️ Note: This is an educational program, not an employment opportunity.

What We Offer

Are you interested in exploring career pathways in healthcare? Then this paid Career exploration opportunity might be for you!

The 4-day program is diving into nuclear medicine: a special type of medical imaging that helps doctors see what’s happening inside the body in real-time.

Not only is nuclear medicine a great career path for people interested in science, healthcare, and helping others – it provides a pathway to entry-level, high-wage jobs in healthcare, including roles like Nuclear Medicine Technologist and Radiation Therapist. In the Bay Area, the starting wages for these roles are over $70 an hour and typically require completion of an associate or bachelor’s degree and a specialized certification.

• Explore Your Career: Get first-hand experience with an in-demand career that leads to a high-wage job.
• Build Your Skills: Learn essential professional skills and add a unique professional experience to your resume and college applications.
• Solve Real Challenges: Work with peers and healthcare professionals to tackle a real-world issue in the healthcare field.
• Grow Your Network: Meet and learn from professionals, mentors, and peers who can guide your career journey into this field.
• Earn a Stipend: Participants will earn a $400 stipend for successfully completing this program to help offset the costs of participating.

Who You Are and What You've Done

This is your first step—and it’s all about starting, not about having it all figured out. You don’t need previous jobs or career experience to apply.

We ask for a resume, but don’t stress! Use our free template here to make one—it’s quick, simple, and part of the learning process.

Apply now and take your first step into exploring your future in healthcare!

Requirements

This program is designed for young adults who are...

• 11th or 12th graders (must be 16 years old as of October 1, 2025)
• Attending school or residing in Contra Costa County
• Curious about healthcare career options 
• Wanting to develop professional skills and gain hands-on learning experiences
• Willing and able to fully commit to participating in all program sessions from March 25-28, 2026