Transformative youth internship program opens door to health care careers

6/1/2026

A group of nine people stand and kneel together in front of a large window inside a coffee shop.

When a high school senior walks through the doors of a Banner Health hospital for their first day as a HEAL intern, they're not just starting a job—they're stepping into a future they might never have imagined.

Thanks to a significant $809,715 grant from Opportunity Now, a program through the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade awarded in 2024, Banner Health Colorado has launched the Health Care Education, Advancement, and Leadership (HEAL) Program, a paid internship initiative designed to introduce local youth to the diverse world of health care careers.

Bridging the gap

Northern Colorado faces a pressing health care workforce shortage. Across Larimer, Weld, Morgan, and Logan counties, where Banner Health operates five hospitals, 60% of areas are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas, and all fall within Medically Underserved Areas. The challenge has intensified as the average age of health care workers reaches 46, with retirements outpacing new workers entering the field.

"This grant has had a significant impact on both Banner and the communities we serve," says Erin Lamouria, Student Experience Advisor at Banner North Colorado Medical Center. "While most students are traditionally familiar with careers such as doctors and nurses, this initiative has enabled us to broaden their awareness by exposing them to a diverse range of health care career pathways."

More than just an internship

The HEAL Program offers high school seniors a 10-week, 200-hour paid internship during their second semester, earning $15 per hour. The program showcases over 30 different career paths within health care—from Patient Care Assistants and Health Unit Coordinators to roles in nutrition services, environmental services, and administrative support. Students gain hands-on experience in their departments while developing crucial professional skills—from resume writing and interview preparation to navigating workplace dynamics and collaborating as part of a team.

Real results, real impact

Since launching its first cohort in September 2024, the HEAL Program has already provided 77 internship opportunities to high school seniors, including many students from rural areas. The impact has been immediate and measurable: 11 interns have already transitioned into permanent positions at Banner Health.

"Department leaders consistently report that student interns quickly become valued members of their teams, contributing in ways that are both impactful and inspiring," notes Patti Taylor, Banner Health's Director of Student Health Careers. "The development of the HEAL internship would not be possible without this vital support from Opportunity Now."

Building tomorrow's health care workforce today

The HEAL Program represents more than workforce development—it's about creating intentional pathways between education and employment, helping young people envision and achieve careers they might never have considered. For communities across Northern Colorado, it's an investment in both health care access and youth opportunity.

As these young interns discover their potential and find their place in health care, they're not just filling positions—they're becoming the next generation of professionals who will care for their communities for years to come.