Memorial Health System | Memorial Hospital for Children | Foundation | PhysicianLink 
The Memorial Learning Link Program
The Learning Link program is an exclusive program of Memorial Health System, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The program is a student program directly assigned to the Volunteer Services Department of the hospital and orchestrated by the Youth Programs Coordinator. The program originated in 1999 and has grown from 15 students and 9 departments to the program it is today—35-40 students and 20 departments. It is a selective program with a limited number of students selected from the region to participate.
Memorial’s Learning Link program consists of seniors in high schools in the Pikes Peak area interested in pursuing education and a career in the health and sciences field. The program is designed to offer high school seniors an opportunity to work and learn within an actual hospital setting.
The Learning Link students who are a part of this program learn in various areas of the hospital during their school day. The requirement is that each Learning Link student must be at the hospital two two-hour shifts per week. These shifts must be done during normal school hours (or sometimes shortly thereafter) which is set by a cooperation between the hospital and the school. Most shifts start at 7 a.m. with the last shift starting at 2:30 – 3 p.m. However, some shifts begin earlier and some begin later in the day. Shifts at the hospital are considered as a part of the students school day and addressed as such. The commitment for this program is a semester. Student requirements:
- Applications (available at the school) with the required recommendations must be submitted before an interview can be scheduled. The student’s interview will take place with the Youth Programs Coordinator. Upon acceptance into the program, the student must attend a mandatory full-day orientation. A Learning Link commitment contract and a confidentiality statement must be signed.
- If students acquire the application online, it must be taken to the student’s school counselor for signature as well as approval.
- Students must have a GPA minimum of a 3.0.
- Students should have a genuine interest in learning and observing in the medical community with the possibility of a medical career.
- Learning Link hours CANNOT be used for 'community service' hours, including graduation requirements or for district attorney/court-ordered hours.
- Usually, dependent upon the school district involved, students will receive a full high school credit and a letter grade.
The Learning Link program is a special experience for area high school seniors who are interested in a health career as well as a learning and a growth experience. For additional information, contact Carole McCarthy, Youth Programs Coordinator at 719-365-1232.