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DISCOVER: Your Pathway Into Healthcare Starts Here

What Is Discover?

Discover is Lakeland Regional Health’s umbrella for all student-centered learning, exploration, and workforce development programs. Whether you’re exploring healthcare, gaining hands‑on experience, looking for mentorship, or ready to begin your career at LRH, Discover provides structured opportunities at every stage – elementary school through early career.

 

Discover, Experience, Grow.

DISCOVER

Early Exposure Programs

For students beginning their healthcare career exploration.

Includes:

  • Monthly Healthcare Careers Job Shadow Day
  • Quarterly Career Fairs & Mock Interview Days (High School Campuses)
  • Annual Healthcare Careers Expo (April)

EXPERIENCE

Hands‑On Learning & Internships

For students ready to engage in immersive, skills‑building experiences.

Includes:

  • Annual Summer Intern Learning Program (June–August)
  • Annual CareerSource Polk Summer Intern Program (June–July)
  • Discover Summer Enrichment Program (July)
  • Annual Project Search School-to-Work Transition Program (August–May)
  • Annual Work-Based Learning Intern Program (August–May)
  • Student Volunteers
  • Student Part‑Time Employment

GROW

Education & Advancement Programs

For students pursuing development, credentials, or certifications.

Includes:

  • 50+ Fully Funded Career Advancement Programs

DISCOVER Your Program

Teen Learning Program

Teens work hand‑in‑hand with clinical teams and adult volunteers, building real‑world skills and confidence in a supportive environment. It’s an ideal opportunity for students curious about healthcare to discover different professions and see what sparks their interest.

Click here to apply for the Teen Learning Program.

Learn more

Healthcare Career Shadow Day

Designed for high‑school juniors and seniors, this program offers a unique opportunity to spend time in a real healthcare setting, observing professionals and support staff as they carry out their day‑to‑day responsibilities. Participants gain firsthand insight into a wide range of roles, workplace expectations, and the skills needed to thrive in a hospital environment.

Click here to apply for the Healthcare Career Shadow Day.

Learn more

Summer Teen Volunteer Program

Click here for the Summer Teen Volunteer Program application packet.

The Discover Program Will...

  • Expose students to diverse healthcare fields and specialties.
  • Provide hands-on experiences to develop practical skills and industry knowledge.
  • Foster mentorship relationships to support career exploration and development.
  • Encourage students to have fun and grow their passion for caring for others. 

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

A FREE four-week program designed to give you hands-on experience in the hospital setting!

2026 Program Dates:
July 6, 2026 – July 31, 2026 (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Eligibility: The 4-week program located at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center is open to 10th – 12th grade students interested in healthcare careers. This program can be combined with Lakeland Regional Health’s summer volunteer program.

The application window for summer 2026 is closed. Applications for summer 2027 will open in January 2027.

This program is completely FREE. Only 40 students will be selected for this cohort.

Space is limited, so apply early!

Apply Here

  • Hands-On Clinical Experience:

    Work alongside healthcare professionals in real clinical settings.

  • Hospital Operations Insight:

    Learn about the inner workings of a major medical center.

  • Soft Skills Development:

    Enhance your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

  • Professional Interaction:

    Connect with mentors and professionals in the healthcare industry.

  1. How will participants be notified if selected?

Participants will be notified of their acceptance via email in mid-April.

  1. What is the commitment level required?

Attendance at all sessions is very important for your success. However, we understand emergencies may arise, and we will review absences on a case-by-case basis.

  1. Are meals provided during the program?

Students are required to bring their lunch on program days. Lunch will be provided on Fridays.

  1. Is there a uniform requirement?

Yes, students are required to wear scrubs as the program uniform. More details about the uniform will be provided to those who are accepted. Additionally, all students will receive a program T-shirt.

  1. Is transportation provided?

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program.

  1. What should students bring to the program?

Students should bring:

  • A notebook and pen/pencil for taking notes.
  • Lunch (except on Fridays).
  • Any required forms or materials provided before the program starts.
  1. Will students receive a certificate of completion?

Yes, students who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion to acknowledge their participation and effort.

  1. Does completing the application give a guaranteed spot, or is there a limited number?

No, submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The application process is competitive, and all submissions are reviewed.

  1. Do you have to be in a high school nursing program to sign up?

No, students do not need to be enrolled in a nursing or medical academy program to participate. 

For Educators & School Partners

We collaborate with schools and educators to bring healthcare career exploration to campus and to host students at Lakeland Regional Health.

 

Ways we can partner

  • Host a Career Fair or Mock Interviews on campus
  • Arrange Job Shadow Days and hospital-based observation
  • Schedule guest speakers across clinical and non‑clinical roles
  • Coordinate work-based learning and internship placements
  • Plan custom programming aligned to your curriculum

Email Discover@myLRH.org to collaborate.