Lakeland Regional Health’s DISCOVER Summer Enrichment Program is designed to build a local pipeline of healthcare workers to combat regional and state workforce shortages.
The state of Florida is facing a projected deficit of over 59,000 nurses by 2035, according to Florida Hospital Association data, making local career pathways essential.
Overview of the Program
- Structure & Scope: A competitive, completely free 4-week program held during July at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center for 10th through 12th-grade high school students.
- Selectivity: Demand is high; the 2026 cohort drew over 270 applications for just 45 available spots.
- Hands-on Experience: Students participate in clinical simulations, emergency care walkthroughs, hospital patient journey overviews, specialty field exploration, and real-life training such as CPR and AED certifications.
- Advanced Cohort (Discover 2.0): Returning students from previous cohorts undergo an advanced week focusing on mentorship, medical ethics, and sharpening clinical skills like wound care and glucose monitoring.
- College & Career Integration: The program wraps up with a “day in the life” college experience and graduation ceremony at Southeastern University. Alumni from earlier cohorts have already transitioned directly into support roles within the health system while pursuing medical and nursing degrees.
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