Codman Health Center Launches Largest Internship Program Yet
On July 8, Codman Square Health Center (CSHC) inaugurated its 14th annual Healthcare Pathways Summer Internship Program, welcoming its largest cohort to date. This year, **39 high school students** from Codman Academy, Randolph Public Schools, and TechBoston Academy are participating, reflecting the program’s growth and deep commitment to youth development and community wellness.
The internship program, a collaboration with Codman Academy, has expanded in recent years to include additional partner schools. Interns primarily hail from Dorchester and surrounding areas, providing them with opportunities in various healthcare settings. They are placed in diverse roles such as pharmacy, urgent care, pediatrics, patient registration, family medicine, lab, and radiology. Notable partner organizations include **Codman Square Health Center**, **Boston Medical Center**, and **Tufts Medical Center**, among others, where interns receive guidance from experienced healthcare professionals.
This summer introduces an innovative Urban Agriculture and Climate Resilience track. Three interns will work in Codman’s community gardens, assist in managing a youth-led farmers market, and explore sustainable farming and renewable technologies as potential career paths. Patrick Germain, a former dental intern, shared, “This internship has helped me understand what it’s like to have a professional job and how helping the community can be good for everyone.”
Beyond practical experience, the program offers financial literacy workshops and weekly “Lunch and Learn” sessions with healthcare professionals and community leaders. This initiative aims to promote health equity by exposing local youth, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to healthcare careers early in their lives. Intern Shana Pinnock expressed, “There are so many ways to get into the healthcare field. Hearing my managers’ stories helps me see a path for myself.”
Communities of color continue to be underrepresented in healthcare roles, which contributes to health disparities and limited access to culturally competent care. The Codman Healthcare Pathways Program directly addresses these challenges by investing in local youth, providing them with viable career options, and empowering them with the confidence and skills necessary for higher education and professional success.
“Our internship program is more than just a summer opportunity — it’s a powerful investment in the future of healthcare,” said **Guy Fish**, CEO of Codman Square Health Center. He added, “This program is enabling us to build a more diverse and representative workforce, one that reflects and understands the communities we serve, and in the longer term, will build a stronger, more vibrant Dorchester community.”
The program has also attracted interest from college-level interns, with two students from **Dartmouth College** participating this year. They aim to engage meaningfully with high school interns as both peers and role models. “It is imperative that we sow the seeds of purpose and possibility in the hearts and minds of our community youth so they recognize the potential in these rewarding careers,” stated **Chetna Naimi**, program director of the Codman Healthcare Pathways and Internship Program. She noted that when community youth see themselves as professionals, they are motivated to succeed.
The program is funded by **Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts**, the **John Hancock MLK Summer Scholars Program**, the **Liberty Mutual Foundation**, and the **Babson Foundation**. As the CSHC internship continues to grow in size and impact, it will culminate in a celebration event in mid-August, honoring the achievements of these young leaders and the importance of early investment in community talent.
