Pathways Program: Explore Careers in Healthcare and Disability
About the Pathways Program
The Pathways Program is an internship and mentorship program for rural Oregon high school students who are interested in disability and healthcare careers.
Built on more than 25 years of experience through UCEDD's Summer Internship Program, Pathways gives students the opportunity to learn about healthcare careers, connect with professionals, and gain real-world experience.
This seven-month program includes an eight-week summer internship where students work on a meaningful project with support from a healthcare professional mentor. Students also take part in mentorship, career exploration, learning opportunities, and professional development. Participants receive financial support throughout the program, including support for travel components.
By participating in Pathways, students can explore different healthcare and disability-related careers, build new skills, make professional connections, and gain experience that can help them prepare for college, training programs, and future careers
The program experience
What you will do:
- Complete an 8-week paid summer internship
- Participate in monthly one-on-one mentorship meetings with a healthcare professional
- Work on a meaningful healthcare, disability, education, or public health project
- Attend a kickoff event in Klamath Falls
- Attend the Oregon Rural Health Conference in Bend
- Visit OHSU's Portland campus for a graduation experience
- Share your project with peers, mentors, and healthcare professionals
- Build experiences that strengthen college, scholarship, and future job applications
- Receive ongoing support from Pathways staff, mentors, and program coordinators throughout the program
What you will learn:
- Disability awareness, rural health, and professional development
- Workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, professionalism, and time management
- Career pathways in healthcare, disability, education, public health, and community leadership
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Insights from healthcare professionals through informational interviews, presentations, and mentorship
- How to collaborate and learn alongside a cohort of rural Oregon students with shared interests
Who are the mentors?
Mentors are OHSU healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, behavioral health providers, researchers, educators, and other professionals. Mentors provide career guidance, support, networking opportunities, and supervision. All OHSU employees undergo pre-employment screening and background checks as part of the hiring process.
Program timeline
April 2027: Kickoff Event
- Attend an in-person orientation in Klamath Falls and meet fellow participants.
May to October 2027: Healthcare Mentorship
- Meet monthly with a healthcare professional mentor for career guidance and professional development.
June 14 to Aug. 6, 2027: Summer Internship
- Complete an 8-week virtual internship working 24 hours per week on a real-world healthcare project.
August 2027: OHSU Graduation Experience
- Visit OHSU's Portland campus, participate in educational activities, and present your internship project.
October 2027: Oregon Rural Health Conference
- Attend the statewide conference while networking with healthcare professionals from across Oregon.
Other program benefits
Participants who successfully complete program requirements will receive:
- $3,600 in stipends
- $1,800 for completing the Summer Internship
- $1,800 for participating in the Mentorship Program
- Travel support for required program activities
- Support to address technology needs that may otherwise create barriers to participation in virtual components of the program
Application information and dates
- Application opens: Nov. 9, 2026. Please check this webpage on Nov. 9th for the application link.
- Application closes: Dec. 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
- Be 16 years of age or older by April 1, 2027.
- Be an Oregon resident living in a rural area within one of the following counties listed below.
- Be currently enrolled in high school. Students graduating in June 2027 are eligible if they will be enrolled in a post-secondary education or training program in Fall 2027.
- Be available to participate in the 8-week virtual paid internship from June 14 through Aug. 6, 2027, working 24 hours per week during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- Be available to meet with their mentor for approximately one hour per month from May through October 2027.
- Be able to attend the kickoff event in Klamath Falls.*
- Be able to attend the OHSU Graduation Experience in Portland.*
- Be able to attend the Oregon Rural Health Conference in Bend.*
- If under age 18, attend required in-person events with a parent, guardian, or appropriate chaperone.
- Complete onboarding paperwork and required training before the start of the program.
Eligible counties considered for rural areas
- Grant
- Crook
- Deschutes
- Lane
- Douglas
- Coos
- Curry
- Josephine
- Jackson
- Klamath
- Lake
- Harney
- Jefferson
Are you not sure if you live in a designated rural area? Look up your address to find out using this tool.
Eligibility is based on federal rural designation criteria. Program staff will verify applicant addresses during the review process.
*The Pathways Program includes several required in-person events. We strongly encourage attendance at all events because they are important opportunities for learning, networking, and community building. However, we recognize that barriers related to travel distance, family responsibilities, school schedules, or other circumstances may arise. If you have concerns about attending an event, please describe them in your application so we can discuss potential support and accommodations.
Frequently asked questions
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Is there a cost to participate?
No. There is no cost to participate in the program. Travel costs and lodging are covered by the program.
Does my parent/guardian need to consent for me to be in the program?
If you will be under the age of 18 on April 1, 2027, a parent or guardian must electronically sign a consent form for you to participate in the program.
Where will internships take place?
Internship and mentorship activities are primarily conducted virtually. When possible, internship placements will be matched with mentors located near a student's home community, including at OHSU regional or satellite locations that may allow for in-person engagement opportunities.
Are all activities in person?
No. The program includes both in-person and virtual activities. Participants are expected to attend required events, including the kickoff event and internship activities, as well as virtual workshops and mentor meetings.
Do I need previous work or volunteer experience?
No. Previous experience is not required. We are looking for motivated students who are interested in learning, exploring careers, and developing new skills.
Will I be matched with a mentor?
Yes. Each participant will be matched with a mentor who can provide guidance, encouragement, and support as you explore educational and career opportunities.
What kinds of careers will I learn about?
Students may learn about healthcare careers such as:
- Nursing
- Medicine
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Public health
- Social work
- Behavioral health
- Community health and advocacy
- Research
What if I have barriers to participating?
We understand that students may face barriers related to transportation, technology, caregiving responsibilities, work schedules, disability, or other circumstances. If you anticipate barriers to participation, please describe them in your application. The Pathways Team will work with students to find solutions whenever possible.
What technology will I need?
A computer or tablet and reliable internet are needed for virtual program activities. Technology support is available for students. If you have technology needs, please let Pathways staff know.
How will participating help me?
The program can help you:
- Explore potential career pathways
- Gain real-world experience
- Build professional skills
- Develop leadership skills
- Gain a deeper understanding of disability
- Connect with mentors, professionals, and peers
- Strengthen college, scholarship, and job applications
- Learn how to make a positive impact in your community
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Will I need to provide consent for my child to participate in the program?
Yes. If your child will be under the age of 18 by April 1, 2027, a parent or legal guardian must electronically sign a consent form to allow their participation in the program.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. There is no cost for students to participate in the program.
Where will my child's internship take place?
Internship and mentorship activities are primarily conducted virtually. When possible, internship placements will be matched with mentors located near a student's home community, including at OHSU regional or satellite locations that may allow for in-person engagement opportunities.
How are mentors selected?
Mentors are OHSU healthcare professionals who are interested in supporting youth as they explore educational and career pathways. Mentors may include clinicians, researchers, educators, and other healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines. All OHSU employees undergo pre-employment screening and background checks as part of the hiring process. Mentors receive guidance and support from program staff and are expected to provide encouragement, career insight, professional networking opportunities, and ongoing support throughout the program.
Will my child be supervised?
Yes. Students will have support from program staff, internship supervisors, and mentors throughout the program. Staff will maintain communication with participants and help address concerns that arise during the internship or mentorship experience. For any required in-person program events, participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or approved chaperone.
Are accommodations available?
Yes. The program is committed to providing accommodations so all participants can fully engage in program activities. Students are encouraged to discuss accommodation needs during the application process or at any time during participation.
What if my child has transportation challenges?
The program recognizes that transportation can be a barrier for rural students. Support options will be explored when possible, and approved travel expenses related to required program activities are covered.
What if my child does not have reliable technology or internet access?
Technology support is available to help students participate in virtual program components. Students are encouraged to discuss technology needs with program staff.
What will my child gain from participating?
Students will have opportunities to:
- Explore career options
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Gain workplace experience
- Develop professional communication skills
- Learn from mentors and professionals
- Build their resume and future college applications
- Develop connections that can support future educational and career goals
Is previous work or volunteer experience required?
No. Students do not need previous work, volunteer, or healthcare experience to apply. Motivation, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are more important than prior experience.
How can families support participants?
Families can support students by:
- Encouraging attendance at program activities
- Helping students manage schedules and deadlines
- Discussing career interests and goals
- Supporting participation in mentorship and internship experiences
How can I contact the program with questions?
Program staff are available to answer questions before, during, and after the application process. For questions, reach out to the program email: uceddpathways@ohsu.edu