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Healthcare & Youth Workforce Initiative
Image by Carlos Magno
YHCWFgoal

The Conrad Prebys Foundation aims to invest in innovative, high-potential programs to increase collaboration in the healthcare workforce field.

To do this, the Conrad Prebys Foundation is launching the Healthcare & Youth Workforce Initiative, which will provide both one- and two-year grants ranging from $150K-$400K per year. Depending on the robustness of the response, we may consider extending this program in 2024 and funding additional programming next year. 

YHCWFwhy

The healthcare workforce shortage has been well documented, with employee burnout and fewer new workers entering the field being major contributing factors. 

 

Through discussions with community leaders while launching the SHARE Initiative and during interviews for the Youth Success portfolio, we heard the need to expose youth to possibilities in healthcare, develop emerging professionals, and train those currently in the field to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population.

 

It became clear that there is a critical need in San Diego for greater investments in the future of our healthcare workforce, specifically focused on:

 

  • Exposing, recruiting, expanding, and deepening high-quality job training, bridge, and certification programs that retain and create pathways for youth from historically marginalized communities to needed healthcare careers

  • Addressing some of the critical barriers to a more diverse, culturally competent, high-quality workforce, including reducing the disconnect between training programs and placements

Image by Rusty Watson

Is there a target population to serve?

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Yes, youth between the ages of 16-26, who are part of the below populations, or at risk of being:

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  • Opportunity Youth: Young people who are between the ages of 16 to 26 years old and are disconnected from school and work.

  • Overburdened Youth: Young individuals, primarily between the ages of 16 to 26 years old, who experience excessive physical, emotional, or psychological pressure beyond what is considered normal or healthy for their age. These pressures often arise from various sources, such as balancing academic demands, one or more jobs, caregiving and other familial responsibilities.

Who should apply?

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Programs that include partnerships between:

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  • Educational institutions that focus on 6- to 18-month healthcare programs and certifications

  • Community-based organizations that provide wrap-around workforce development services to youth ages 16-26

  • Healthcare providers such as hospitals and clinics that provide externship opportunities and hire these youth

How does this initiative fit within the foundation’s strategy?

YHCWFStategy

In February 2023, the foundation launched its Strategic Learning Plan, and articulated a long-term vision for: 

  • Healthcare in San Diego: all San Diegans are mentally and physically healthy. 

    • San Diegans are trained for, and offered, quality jobs in healthcare, including community and behavioral health workers 

    • Excellent, culturally competent healthcare is accessible to, and in, underserved communities

    • Under-represented communities feel trust and safety with their health providers 

  • Youth Success in San Diego: All youth are thriving and engaged in the community 

    • San Diego providers have a shared vision for youth that advances belonging, opportunity, and purpose

    • Communities offer multiple opportunities for youth, including jobs, art, and civic engagement

    • Youth are mentally and physically healthy 

Read more about our strategy here.

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