How Penn Highlands is Promoting Health Care Careers in High School

May 06, 2026

Responding to the ongoing needs of our members, HAP hosted a Workforce Summit that brought together clinical, administrative, and workforce leaders from across Pennsylvania to learn and share best practices for developing and engaging health care teams. We’re highlighting some of the innovative ways Pennsylvania hospitals are addressing the workforce crisis.

Penn Highlands Healthcare is leveraging partnerships with local schools to promote health care careers to the next generation’s workforce. In 2025, the hospital launched its Healthcare in High School program to build a strong local workforce pipeline by introducing students to health care careers early.

Heather Franci, MBHA, BSN, RN, chief nursing officer, service line director, and Lisa Smith, director, talent acquisition, at Penn Highlands recently presented the program at HAP’s Workforce Summit in Harrisburg.

The program offers paid, hands-on training—beginning with a patient care assistant (PCA) track—while students complete a modified school schedule, said Franci.

The initiative focuses on early engagement through classroom outreach, job shadowing, and real-world experiences that highlight career pathways and purpose. Students move through a structured recruitment and training process that includes mentorship and ongoing development, preparing them for future employment within the health system, she said.

The program has already expanded beyond its initial sites to multiple hospitals, school districts, and disciplines—including maintenance, marketing, and human resources—broadening opportunities for students across the region. Penn Highlands also maintains long-term relationships with participants through its “Bring Them Home” initiative, encouraging students to return after further education.

The Healthcare in High School program “has been a successful model to expand workforce,” said Franci.

Looking ahead, the hospital plans to grow the program in summer 2026 with additional PCA positions, new emerging roles, and expanded internships in clinical and non-clinical fields.

Key Takeaways

• Early pipeline development works:  Engaging students in high school builds interest and creates a direct path into health care careers.
• Hands-on, paid experience is a major draw:  Real-world training and compensation increase student participation and commitment.
• Workforce strategy requires multiple approaches:  Recruitment, training, mentorship, and long-term engagement all play a role.
• Partnerships are critical:  Collaboration with schools, educators, and families strengthens program success.
• Scalability and flexibility matter:  Expanding across locations and disciplines allows broader impact.
• Retention starts early:  Ongoing connection with students (e.g., “Bring Them Home”) helps secure future workforce needs.
• Future-focused growth:  Continued expansion into new roles and flexible program options will increase access and participation.

HAP’s Workforce Summit brought clinical, administrative, and workforce leaders from across Pennsylvania together to learn and share best practices for developing and engaging health care teams. Watch for more #WorkforceWednesday coverage in the coming weeks of the innovative practices shared during the summit.