View our First Annual Report Below.

AnnualReport 2024-2025

This summer, 52 motivated high school students came together at Samuel Merritt University for the FACES Summer Medical Academy (FSMA)—a two-week immersive experience designed for high school students to explore their passion for the medical field. The 2025 cohort experienced an enriching blend of clinical skills training, community-building, and critical conversations about equity in healthcare.

A key addition to this year’s academy was the capstone project, which invited students to explore healthcare disparities within their own communities. Working in teams, students researched root causes and proposed actionable solutions, culminating in presentations at the end of the program. The project fostered not only leadership and presentation skills but a deeper sense of purpose and agency in addressing real-world health issues.

Throughout the academy, students earned three vital certifications: QPR Suicide Prevention, Opioid Overdose Intervention, and Stop the Bleed. These credentials armed students with life-saving knowledge and prepared them to act with confidence in emergency situations.

Hands-on workshops allowed students to explore clinical procedures such as suturing, IV placement, taking vital signs, intubation, and more. A visit to SMU’s Gross Anatomy Lab offered a rare chance to examine human anatomy firsthand—deepening their appreciation for the complexity of the body and the responsibility of providing care.

FSMA also emphasized the human side of healthcare. Through guided discussions on topics like medical ethics and cultural competency, students explored the social dimensions of medicine and the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. Students had numerous opportunities to meet healthcare professionals across disciplines—gaining insight into various career pathways, challenges, and rewards of working in the field.

Beyond skills and exposure, FSMA served as a vibrant community where students supported one another in collaborative learning. Through team-based activities, reflective conversations, and shared goals, participants strengthened their communication, critical thinking, and leadership abilities.

As these aspiring healthcare leaders head back to their schools and communities, they take with them not only new skills and certifications but also a renewed sense of purpose. The FACES Summer Medical Academy continues to be a launchpad for the next generation of changemakers in health.

Here’s what some of our students had to say!

“I am so grateful for the opportunity getting to learn so many skills and meeting so many people in different careers has really made me feel confident that healthcare is right for me. It’s also been such a welcoming community and all the activities have been lots of fun and exciting to experience and share what I’ve learned with my friends and family!”

“I did a lot of unexpected things during this program, and enjoyed every minute of it. I was exposed to things I had never seen before and saw things in real life that I had only seen on tv. It was a very surreal experience, and I’m very happy I was able to take part in the program.”

“I learned so much from working with a variety of health professionals and volunteers while working on clinical skills. Also, I learned through participating in each simulation and activity about the importance of patient care and connection when treating a patient whether they are receiving a routine checkup, or are enduring a medical emergency. My main takeaway from this program was that it is okay to make mistakes and step outside of my comfort zone especially when being a care provider and pursuing a career in the medical field.”

A big thank you to the guest presenters, trainers, clinicians, and Samuel Merritt University Staff who helped make the 2025 FACES Summer Medical Academy happen. We couldn’t have done it without you.

As we dive into the new school year, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities. But amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s crucial to remember the importance of self-care. Taking time for yourself is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining balance, well-being, and success both in and out of the classroom.

To inspire you, our team has shared how we like to practice self-care. Each of us has found unique ways to recharge and stay grounded, and we hope that our stories encourage you to find your own self-care routine as the school year begins. Whether it’s through journaling, exercise, creative pursuits, or simply taking a moment to breathe, there’s a method of self-care that fits every lifestyle.

Take a moment to explore our team’s personal self-care practices and think about how you can incorporate self-care activities into your daily routine. Remember, self-care is not selfish—it’s essential!

Ari Woodard, San Francisco AmeriCorps VISTA

Practicing self care is somewhat of a new concept for me. In my teens, I thought it was frivolous and a waste of time; but in my 20s, I’ve realized it’s 100% necessary to keep you from going bananas. I focus on 3 things when practicing self care: body, mind, and soul (I’m aware it’s cheesy). For my body, I ensure I’m sleeping more than 5 hours a night and I’m eating a real meal at some point of the day. For my mind, I go bouldering, I’ve discovered it forces me to focus on things other than my thoughts–10/10 recommend. And for my soul, I have Shabbat dinner every Friday where, like any Jewish mother, I force my friends to eat a very large meal and we get to remember that we are people outside of work and late stage capitalism.

Carlos Hernández, South Alameda County Program Coordinator

I practice self-care by designating some time for myself throughout the week to reflect, practice gratitude, and dream. Whether it’s taking a drive throughout an unfamiliar road just to enjoy the scenery or enjoying a nice meal out by myself, either option is always welcomed. Weekly walks with my family, binge watching a show or simply taking care of my hair are other ways I practice self-care.

Chad Seamon, Program Manager

Self-care for me includes caring for my mind, body, spirit, AND my community. Each morning, I take a few minutes to hand-grind my coffee and pause to reflect on what I’m grateful for. I care for my body through frequent bike rides, hiking new-to-me trails, and breaking out my paddleboard. I care for my spirit by pursuing creative outlets (currently pottery). But self-care is only one piece of the puzzle; I need care from my community to support my wellness and I in turn reciprocate that care. My favorite community care activities include walks, deep conversations over coffee and pastries, picnics, and playing games with loved ones. Wellness is a community effort.

Courtney Ma, Sacramento Program Coordinator

Self-care means making time to do the things we love! For me, it’s cooking, baking, and playing with our family dog. When there’s time and I really want to challenge myself, I’ll try my hand at painting, but usually practicing self-care means baking treats for loved ones. In the summertime in Sacramento, my dog and I wake up early to get a walk in and try to beat the heat. There’s nothing like having a furry friend by your side to help you relax!

Jackie Penate, AmeriCorps VISTA

One of my favorite self-care activities is taking care of my nails. Setting some time aside for nail care is surprisingly soothing and helps me step away from daily work life. I always choose a nail color with anticipation, knowing it will set my mood for the rest of the week. This weekly activity not only boosts my self-expression but also provides a moment of peace and personal reflection, making it an essential part of my self-care routine.

Kelly Salazar, Program Administrator

For me, self-care is finding the little moments to relax, reflect, and unwind. When I need a little self-care, I turn to a quick breathing exercises, taking a walk, or listening to an audiobook or podcast. Recently, I’ve gotten into “junk journaling” where I collect unique items like stickers, receipts, and little mementos to create collage-based journal spreads. It has been a fun and easy creative outlet for me! One of my all-time favorite self-care practices is giving myself moments for reflection—whether through journaling, conversations with friends, or simply enjoying some alone time.

Nikki Lopez, San Diego Program Coordinator

Self-care holds significant importance for me, especially as it served as my primary stress relief during my previous job working as a social worker. My go-to self-care habit is my dedication to Orangetheory Fitness. The intense 60-minute interval training sessions not only help me center my focus on breathing but also release an abundance of endorphins. No matter how challenging my day has been, I always leave feeling lighter and rejuvenated.

Rachelle Banares, San Francisco Program Coordinator

I start of my day by drinking a tall glass of water and open the windows to allow fresh air to flow through my room. In addition, I make time in the day to take a mindful walk outside to ensure I give myself a break from the screen and take a moment to pause. In the evening after work, you may find me in a heated vinyasa yoga class which helps with my mood, mobility, strength, and brings more balance to my life. Lastly, I end my evening with a warm cup of tea to cue my body to decompress and sleep for the evening.

Ruben Miranda-Juarez, Albuquerque Program Coordinator

I love doing the most so self-care might look less peaceful than it might for some. Consistently, I go to jiu-jitsu class. I know that moving my body is important and really improves my overall mood. And lately, I’ve been connecting with friends via the phone. We spend that time encouraging each other and sitting with gratitude because we know what it took to get here. Those connections I think are what sustain the most during the busy seasons and give me energy to do all the things in the summer.

Vanessa Tat, Program Assistant

I practice self-care by engaging in activities that feel resourcing to my mind and body and that allow me to feel fully present. One thing that does this is for me is creating art, whether it’s drawing, painting, sewing, or something else. Recently, I’ve been into building terrariums, but I often find new and interesting crafts to explore. Finally, I like to move my body in ways that are fun and feel good to me, like pilates and ice skating. And when all else fails, I just blast music and dance alone in my apartment!

 

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention, spreading hope, and fostering connections that save lives. We take this seriously at FACES for the Future by activating our students as health leaders among their peers. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10-14 and the 3^rd leading cause of death among ages 15-18. FACES works with our partners at Cypress Resilience Project to train students and staff in Mental Health First Aid, a nationally recognized certification that teaches individuals how to recognize risks of suicide and harm, listen, and support those who are struggling. We are proud to train our students to provide support and help those who might be struggling with suicide or related mental health challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, the following national resources are available to offer immediate help:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988): Call or text 988 to connect with trained crisis counselors available 24/7. This free and confidential service is for anyone in emotional distress, including those considering suicide.
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Available 24/7 for immediate support via text.
• The Trevor Project: The world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or visit The Trevor Project’s website.
• Trans Lifeline: A hotline offering support for transgender individuals in crisis. Call 877-565-8860 for trans peer support available 24/7.
• YouthLine: A peer-to-peer youth crisis and support helpline. Teens can call 877-968-8491, text teen2teen to 839863, or chat at YouthLine’s website.

This summer, 38 enthusiastic students gathered at Samuel Merritt University for the FACES Summer Medical Academy, a two-week immersive experience designed for high school students to explore their passion for the medical field. This year’s program was packed with opportunities for hands-on learning, professional certification, and personal growth.

Throughout the academy, students earned three crucial professional certifications: Mental Health First Aid, Opioid Overdose Intervention, and Stop the Bleed. These certifications equipped them with essential skills to respond to real-life emergencies and care for individuals in need. Students delved into hands-on medical skills, including suturing, taking vital signs, intubation, IV placement, and much more. They also paid a visit to SMU’s Gross Anatomy Lab, where students explored the intricate workings of the human body up close.

The hands-on learning was complemented with an emphasis on the social aspects of care, as students engaged in conversations about medical ethics, living with disability, and cultural competency. This shaped a more holistic view of healthcare, emphasizing the importance of empathy, respect, and understanding in patient care.

In addition to the technical skills, students were exposed to a wide range of healthcare professions. They had the unique opportunity to engage directly with healthcare professionals, gaining insights into different career paths and the day-to-day realities of working in the medical field. These interactions provided invaluable context and inspiration as students consider their future roles in healthcare.

FSMA was more than just a learning experience; it was an opportunity for students to connect with peers who share their passion for medicine in activities that fostered collaboration, communication, and problem solving. As these future healthcare professionals continue their journey, they carry with them the invaluable experiences and lessons learned during their time at the FACES Summer Medical Academy.

Here’s what some of our students had to say!

“FSMA was a life changing experience that really advanced my interest in the medical field. The combination of learning hands on skills and lectures helped me get a deeper understanding of medicine.”

“The FSMA provided exposure to so many different career fields and to many different styles of learning in healthcare. I learned that I can be a leader when I need to be and that I am ready to go into a career in the medical field.”

“Not many programs provide such experiences within this short span of time, but I learned so many things I could never experience without FSMA. I learned so much that will prepare me for my future. Most high schoolers don’t have this opportunity so I am extremely grateful.”

A big thank you to the guest presenters, trainers, clinicians, and Samuel Merritt University Staff who helped make the 2024 FACES Summer Medical Academy happen. We couldn’t have done it without you.