The Learning Link Career Observation Program is sponsored by Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The program is managed by the Volunteer Services Department and coordinated by the Youth Programs Coordinator. It is a competitive program where 30 students are selected each semester from the regional high schools to participate.

The program originated in 1999 and consists of high school seniors in the Pikes Peak area interested in pursuing studies and careers in the health and sciences field. The program is designed to offer high school seniors an opportunity to observe and learn within an actual hospital setting.

Observation areas include the adult ICU, birth center, emergency department, pathology, lab, oncology, outpatient surgery, pharmacy, the post anesthesia care unit, radiology, multiple rehabilitation units and the patient floors.

The shifts must be done during normal school hours. Hours of participation are determined in cooperation with the hospital, student and counselor. Shifts at the hospital are considered part of the student's school day and are addressed as such. The commitment for this program is four hours a week during a twelve-week rotation.

Student requirements:

• Students must submit a complete application with the required recommendations and essay by the deadline. Applications are available through the high school counselor's office in January of each year. Current high school juniors are able to apply for either the fall or spring semesters of their senior year. 
• Students must have a minimum GPA of a 3.0 and no disciplinary actions recorded and be a high school senior. 
• Students should have a genuine interest in pursuing a medical career. 

• Dependent upon the school district involved, students may receive a full high school credit and a letter grade.

• Students meeting the criteria for the program will be selected to interview with the Youth Program Coordinator. Upon acceptance into the program, the student must attend a mandatory orientation.
  

The Learning Link Career Observation Program is a unique opportunity for area high school seniors! For additional information, contact our Youth Programs Coordinator, Kayleigh Glaspie, at 719-365-5372 or your high school guidance/career counselor..