SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY — Mee Memorial Healthcare System (MMHS) has announced the successful implementation of its Student Pathway for Healthcare Internship Program (Golden State Pathway Program), a hands-on educational initiative designed to introduce local students to careers in healthcare and strengthen the future workforce of South Monterey County.
The program creates direct connections between students and real-world healthcare careers by exposing them to various healthcare disciplines, inspiring young people to see a future for themselves in healthcare — right here in their own community.
“This is an impactful program for students,” said Kirsten Featherstone, chief nursing officer. “It helps them discover their strengths and career interests while providing firsthand experience in the many departments, both clinical and non-clinical, that make patient care possible.”
Through a partnership with the South Monterey County Joint Union High School District, the program offers students mentorship and exposure to various hospital departments, including nursing, engineering, lab, respiratory therapy, information technology, health information management, infection prevention, pharmacy and more.
Students learn about a wide range of career paths, from clinical roles to other essential operations that keep a hospital running.
Educators say the program not only deepens students’ understanding of healthcare but also strengthens their confidence, motivation and sense of belonging in professional settings.
Mee Memorial’s commitment to building a sustainable local workforce is central to its mission of serving the community with high-quality, compassionate care. By nurturing student interest early, the organization hopes to inspire future nurses, physicians, technicians, administrators and healthcare leaders who will one day support South Monterey County.
“We want high school students to see Mee Memorial as a place where they can discover and grow their future careers,” said Rena Salamacha, CEO of MMHS. “Enhancing the health of our community is our priority, and education and workforce development play a vital role in achieving that goal.”
With a focus on community health, MMHS operates Mee Memorial Hospital and several comprehensive outpatient clinics in King City and Greenfield, including the newly opened Children’s Health and Wellness Center located in King City.
