Student Programs

See how Mercy's student programs are inspiring future healthcare professionals while building a stronger workforce for tomorrow.

Mercy has even found ways to reach students long before they head to college. Thanks to collaboration with Scouting America and area schools including Springfield Public Schools, Mercy has programs for students of all ages. “We knew we needed to introduce students to healthcare careers much earlier,” Atchison said. “We have several programs that aim to do this including our Health Science Academy, which brings middle school students to our hospital campus for a full year, so they can see the full range of career paths.” By teaming up with local schools and organizations, Mercy is inspiring new generations to pursue careers in healthcare and showing students the wide range of career options.

Why This Matters

Many workforce conversations begin when someone enters college or submits a job application. Mercy believes they should begin much earlier.

By introducing middle and high school students to healthcare careers, Mercy is helping young people discover opportunities they may never have considered. More importantly, it is helping students understand that successful careers often begin with exposure, mentorship and real-world experiences.

Businesses across every industry can benefit from this mindset. Investing in future talent isn't simply about recruiting—it's about inspiring the next generation long before career decisions are made.

Key Takeaways

• Career awareness starts earlier than many employers realize.
• Community partnerships strengthen future workforce pipelines.

Early engagement helps students discover meaningful career paths.