Students from Health Opportunities High School in the Bronx recently participated in a day of hands-on learning and inspiration at Mount Sinai for Career Discovery Week.
The event, held Tuesday, March 24, offered an opportunity to connect students with professionals and inspire the next generation of health care leaders. The event was organized by the Corporate Services Center Site Engagement Council, supported by the Office for Health Data, Outcomes, and Engagement Strategy and the Department of Emergency Medicine.
Launched in 2020 as a joint initiative between the Partnership for New York City and New York City Public Schools, Career Discovery Week introduces public high school students to a wide range of career paths in various industries. This is the fourth year that members of the Mount Sinai community have participated in this effort to support career exploration in health care.
At Mount Sinai Morningside, students participated in a panel discussion featuring employees from across Mount Sinai Health System. The session provided students with the opportunity to ask questions, hear personal journeys, and gain insight into what it’s like to work in a hospital setting.
Deborah Kuhn-Dames, Director, People Operations and Team Development for Mount Sinai Health Partners, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.
“The program is such an extraordinary opportunity for high school students to experience what working in health care might look like, and I’m so proud that Mount Sinai was able to provide this to the students from Health Opportunities High School,” she said. “Everyone who contributed, from our panelists and guest speakers to volunteers and subject-matter experts, showcased what makes our community special.”
Jamie Forbes, MBA, SHRM-CP, Manager, People Operations, for the Department of Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, agreed.
“Career Discovery Week is more than exposure. It’s about showing students what’s possible, especially when the path hasn’t always been visible,” she said. “That’s how we turn access into opportunity.”