Augusta, Ga. – A local nonprofit, LAUNCH, has teamed up with Doctors Hospital to offer high school students a unique opportunity to explore careers in healthcare. The LAUNCH Academy, designed for 9th through 12th graders, is providing students with hands-on learning experiences, shadow hours, and exposure to various healthcare fields through classroom activities and real-life experiences at the hospital.

The program, which serves students from 15 local high schools, aims to give them a closer look at the healthcare industry and help guide them in exploring potential careers. According to Armando Bonheur, Assistant Administrator at Doctors Hospital, the goal of the initiative is to inspire and cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals in the Augusta area.

“Today we have the LAUNCH Academy, which brings together students from the greater Augusta area to explore different healthcare modalities,” Bonheur said. “It’s all about molding and motivating the future healthcare leaders of our community.”

The LAUNCH Academy stands out because of its hands-on approach to learning, offering students the chance to shadow healthcare professionals in the hospital setting, including time spent in the operating room and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The program also helps students navigate the admissions process for healthcare careers, making the pathway to success clearer for participants.

Dr. Kendra Broussard, the founder and president of LAUNCH, highlighted the uniqueness of the partnership with Doctors Hospital. “There is no other place where high school students can come together to gain hands-on experience in a hospital environment,” said Broussard. “Our program is different from others because it provides step-by-step guidance and the kind of exposure that will set them up for success in healthcare.”

One student, Alania Pruiett, who has been involved with LAUNCH since elementary school, expressed her gratitude for the opportunities the program has offered. “I’m thankful for LAUNCH because exposure is always necessary,” Pruiett said. “There are so many possibilities in the medical field, and knowing that I’m one step closer to achieving something I actually love to do is exciting.”

Through the collaboration between LAUNCH and Doctors Hospital, high school students in Augusta are not only gaining valuable knowledge but also developing the skills and experiences needed to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare. As the program continues to grow, it could play a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce of the local medical community.

The LAUNCH Academy remains committed to inspiring and equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.