Phoebe and Commodore Conyers College & Career (4C) Academy have entered into a unique partnership to put middle and high school students on a path to successful careers in healthcare.  The agreement includes a new paid internship program for 4C students at Phoebe and outreach to schools in the four counties 4C Academy serves.

“There are growing nationwide shortages of nurses and other healthcare professionals, and the competition for those workers is only going to get more fierce.  We cannot sit back and wait for qualified applicants to appear at our door.  We must find innovative ways to get local students excited about careers in healthcare and show them there are great opportunities to thrive right here at home.  We know this partnership will help us do that,” said Scott Steiner, Phoebe Putney Health System President and CEO. 

The two-year agreement includes internships for 20 students each year.  They will work four hours a day for 16 weeks in various roles at Phoebe and will receive a stipend.

“Our mission is to produce students with exceptional skills and work ethic who are ready to compete and succeed in the real world the day they graduate.  We’re fortunate to have outstanding partners like Phoebe who are willing to give our students opportunities for hands-on learning that can truly transform their lives and give them a jumpstart on productive careers,” said Chris Hatcher, 4C Academy CEO.

As part of the agreement, 4C will establish an outreach program for nine area middle schools and seven area high schools to create awareness of careers in healthcare.  The program will include meetings with parents to inform them of the opportunities and advantages of healthcare careers, as well as tours of Phoebe facilities for middle school students.

“Some people do not fully understand all that is available at Phoebe.  We provide some of the most advanced care available anywhere, using leading equipment and breakthrough technology, and the Phoebe Simulation and Innovation Center is one of the best and most high-tech simulation labs in the southeast United States,” said Tracy Suber, EdD, MSN, Phoebe Assistant Vice President of Simulation Center and Nursing Education.  “We want to show off those resources, expose students – at an early age – to various jobs available to them in this growing, vibrant and vital field, and nurture in them a desire to serve their community through a healthcare career,” Dr. Suber added. 

Phoebe will make a $75,000 donation to the 4C Foundation each of the next two years to fund the internship and outreach programs.  4C Academy is a specialized charter school located in Albany that serves students in Dougherty, Terrell, Baker and Calhoun counties.