(St. Petersburg, FL, January 9, 2023) – BayCare and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast (BGCS) helps with talent deficiencies facing the Tampa Bay Region by preparing teens with tangible work experience to boost employability post-high school graduation. Current Seniors in Pinellas County High Schools can explore in-demand healthcare careers, receive paid work-based learning experiences, and work side-by-side with top local healthcare professionals.
The inaugural session begins with local teens receiving certificates of training completion in Nurse Helper and Transporter roles. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and BayCare’s innovative approach, allows for cross-professional experience that exposes teens to in-demand careers while producing well-trained teen professionals ready to enter the workforce immediately after high school.
“This innovative partnership transcends our work with at-risk youth from a moral imperative to an economic necessity for the Tampa Bay Region.” states Freddy Williams, Boys & Girls Clubs President & CEO. “This collaborative effort will provide meaningful connections with top employers, develop tangible skills, and give real life work experiences in high demand industries. Together, we are providing economic mobility for underserved youth and enhancing our local healthcare system. This is truly a win-win.”
“We’re excited to support this unique opportunity for teens to be mentored by BayCare professionals,” said Kyle Barr, BayCare’s senior vice president and chief team resources officer. “We know that education and employment are both social determinants of health. By connecting these young people with experienced caregivers, we hope to make a difference in the teenager’s lives. We also will benefit by growing potential future team members.”
To learn more about this program or how you can become a supporter of BGCS Teen Workforce Readiness, please contact Ryan Becker, Director of Workforce Readiness at [email protected].
ABOUT BayCare
BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 15 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. Inpatient and outpatient services include acute care, primary care, imaging, laboratory, behavioral health, home care, and wellness. Its mission is to improve the health of all it serves through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information visit www.BayCare.org.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE SUNCOAST
Mission: To provide high quality out of school time Club experiences proven to ensure our young people, especially those who need us most, are on track to graduate from high school with a plan, demonstrate good character and citizenship, and live a healthy lifestyle. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast serves over 21,000 youth across Pinellas County. For more information call (727) 524-2427 and visit online at www.bgcsun.org.
