Press contact: Lynn Whalen

SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has been awarded a grant to allow 15 prospective health professions students to explore health care careers this summer while getting paid.

The HELPrS (Healthcare Entry-Level Professional Skills) program will run July 3-Aug. 10, Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants will be paid $15 per hour (a total of more than $1,400) while experiencing a variety of health professions and job shadowing. The program also provides free uniforms, books, lunches and transportation to health care sites.

Students who will be high school seniors in fall 2023, as well as recent high school graduates, are eligible (ages 16-20). 

“This six-week program will expose students to multiple health care career options,” said Leigh Giles-Brown, program director, diagnostic medical sonography at LLCC. “These include radiography, sonography, neurodiagnostic technology, respiratory care, occupational therapy assistant, emergency medical services and nursing.

“We want to open students’ eyes to the many possibilities available in the medical field. They’ll explore health care professions both on and off campus, learn about college life and get to practice important professional skills needed in the workforce — all while getting paid!” 

The program aims to enhance diverse representation in the health care field, with priority given to minorities and males. Applicants from Lanphier High School, Southeast High School and Virginia High School will receive special consideration. 

Registration is required by June 16, 2023 with more information available at www.llcc.edu/helprs. 

HELPrS is made possible by the Trades School Grant Program and awarded through the Illinois Community College Board.