INTRODUCTION
In 2009, Rady Children’s Hospital (RCH) launched FACES for the Future San Diego, a three-year, comprehensive health careers pathway program that prepares high school students from the City Heights neighborhood for careers that offer competitive wages and upward mobility. The FACES San Diego program begins with students in their sophomore year of high school and continues through graduation. RCH provides hospital-based job shadow rotations and coordinates community-based rotations, as well as offering school-based staffing. In 2018 FACES San Diego expanded to a third high school.
Support for FACES San Diego students continues past high school graduation. Career Development events and opportunities are offered to FACES alumni to provide support throughout their college years and as they transition to the workforce.
PROGRAM
Health Careers Experience
Highlights of the FACES-San Diego program include authentic and distinctive practicums at Rady Children’s Hospital and community settings.
As juniors, students participate in Community Rotations and volunteer at a variety of healthcare and social services organizations located in City Heights. This experience fosters student ties with local agencies, increasing their understanding of local resources and sense of community engagement while also giving the students opportunities for career exploration. They learn essential work readiness skills and gain a perspective on issues related to developing a healthier community. Students can learn about the wealth of resources, information and services available within their community, which they share with their peers, family and friends through a health resource fair or booklet detailing community resources.
As seniors, students participate in Clinical Rotations at Rady Children’s Hospital, choosing from 25+ different departments and clinics, making for a truly unique exposure to careers in healthcare. Rady Children’s Hospital provides a fulfilling and educational experience that will motivate students to pursue a career in health care. Students shadow different professionals and receive guidance and advice about working in a hospital setting. During this “on-the-job” experience, students learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of different health careers, while upholding HIPPA and respecting patient confidentiality.
Academic Enhancement
FACES-San Diego students receive individualized assistance and support needed to reach their highest potential not only as high school graduates, but also in creating a vision and plan for achieving career goals through higher education.
Academic Enhancement components enhance students’ knowledge and skills related to higher education and careers in health. This includes, but is not limited to:
· College & University Campus Field Trips
· College Preparation Workshops: Financial Aid Support, College Application and/or Scholarship application support, etc.
· Guest Speakers & Career Panels: Emergency Medical Technicians, Nurses, Athletic Trainers, etc.
· Working in conjunction with teachers & school leaders
· Workshops that broaden students’ understanding of health and well-being: Social Determinants of Health, Cultural Competency, etc. Academic Enhancement components include:
Wellness and Psychosocial Support
FACES students are provided with a supportive and safe environment that promotes a sense of belonging and builds long-term health and well-being. Students work individually with FACES staff for problem solving and access to resources. Through experiential learning, students will cultivate meaningful relationships with FACES staff and liked-minded peers that will transcend beyond high school.
Wellness Support is integrated across every component and the entire FACES program; however, some specific activities that fall under this category include but are not limited to:
· Workshops that teach essential life skills: Stress Management, Financial Literacy, etc.
· One-on-one check ins
· Team building Activities/Icebreakers
Personal Development
FACES students work with staff to develop skills that align with their personal and professional plans. Professional and Leadership Development components build students’ advocacy, self-efficacy, professionalism, and leadership skills. This includes, but is not limited to:
· Workshops aimed to enhance personal growth
· Workshops aimed to enhance professionalism: Resume Writing, Mock Interview, Communication Skills, etc.
· Professional Networking Events: Lunch with Hospital Executives, Alumni Events, etc.
Alumni Support
Support for FACES students continues past high school graduation.
Alumni events are held during summer and school breaks.
FACES alumni and staff work together to provide support throughout the college years and transition to the workforce.
Links of Interest
- Kearny High School’s Website
- Hoover High School’s Website
- Crawford High School’s Website
- Kearny High School FACES Program
LEADERSHIP
Mary Beth Moran, Center for Healthier Communities Director, RCHSD
Mary Beth joined Rady Children’s Hospital in 2007 to manage the injury prevention programs in the Center for Healthier Communities.In August 2018, she became the center’s director.A physical therapist for 25 years, Mary Beth holds a BS in Biology from Regis University, a BS in Physical Therapy from NYU, an M.Ed. from George Washington University, and an MS in Evaluative Clinical Sciences from Dartmouth College.
Jose Perez, Supervisor – Youth Development Programs
Jose Perez is a San Diego native with over 10 years of experience in the education sector. After earning a BS in Business Administration from San Diego State University, Jose focused on helping first-generation students across San Diego County prepare for higher education. In his previous role as Program Manager with a local nonprofit, Jose oversaw a comprehensive afterschool program, developed curriculum, and worked with community-based organizations to create innovative learning opportunities that supported the holistic well-being of youth and families. Jose is excited to support Rady’s health career pathway programs and expand their reach and impact.
Alicia Wood, Lead Coordinator
Alicia Wood was born and raised in Seattle, WA, coming to California in 2003 to attend Chapman University. She majored in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work. After college, Alicia worked at the Braille Institute in Anaheim running an afterschool program for blind and visually impaired children, later transferring to Braille Institute in San Diego where she worked until 2016. In June 2016, Alicia graduated from CSU Long Beach with her Master’s in Emergency Management and the next year started working at Rady Children’s Hospital. She supports FACES for the Future and Medical Academy programs.
Nikki Lopez, Program Coordinator – Hoover High School
Nikki comes to Rady’s with 16 years of experience working in various community nonprofit programs in Fresno and San Diego. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Nikki completed her BA in Criminology with a focus on Victim Services at Fresno State University in 2007 and her master’s in Education Counseling at San Diego State University in 2017. Nikki has worked as a clinical case manager focused on unhoused adults and transitional age youth—and was previously appointed as a Behavioral Health Court Liaison. Nikki enjoys working in the FACES program to improve outcomes for young people seeking to reach their highest potential.
Mayerling Colin, Program Coordinator – Hoover High School
A San Diego native and first-generation college graduate, Mayerling earned her BA in History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health from Yale University, graduating with distinction. At Yale, she served as a Peer Liaison for La Casa Cultural and as a First-Generation Low-Income (FGLI) Ambassador through the Yale College Dean’s Office, and she also conducted research on reproductive endocrinology at the Perry Lab. Mayerling is passionate about expanding access to healthcare and education for youth. In her role with FACES, she is excited to empower students as they explore careers in health and medicine.
Joycelin Chou, Program Coordinator – Crawford High School
Joycelin’s passion for public health began during her undergraduate experience at the University of California, Irvine, where she earned a BA in Public Health Policy. After working in the healthcare industry for several years, she attended San Diego State University and earned an MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. Joycelin is deeply committed to community health.
Madeleine Moran, Alumni Coordinator & Program Coordinator – Crawford High School
Madeleine’s educational background includes a BS from the University of California, Davis, and an MPH from San Diego State University. Her prior career experiences involved working in community-based research, government public health programs, and clinical research. She is a public health advocate skilled in program implementation, program evaluation, outreach and engagement, health communication, and research methods. She is very excited to empower and support youth throughout their involvement in FACES for the Future and as alumni from the program.
CONTACT
Jose Perez, Youth Development Program Supervisor
Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego
3020 Children’s Way, MC 5073
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 858-576-1700 ext. 243745
Email:
jperez6@rchsd.org