Middle school launches career program with Cleveland Clinic

Independence Middle School kicked off a pilot program this January in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic and Cuyahoga Valley Career Center called “Cleveland Clinic Career Passport Program,” which aims to expand students’ career horizons in the medical field.

Eighth-graders will gain exposure to various healthcare roles through a series of interactive sessions, activities and a culminating field trip to Cleveland Clinic’s main campus this April.

“This is about looking beyond the typical doctor/nurse paradigm and showing kids just how many options exist when you enter the healthcare ecosystem,” said Amanda Jaronowski, career specialist for Independence Schools through the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. “From architects that design facilities to financial analysts that develop hospital budgets, we want to open their eyes to all the possibilities.”

Over the next few months, Cleveland Clinic professionals representing departments including engineering, graphic design, therapy services, surgery and cardiology will individually mentor students, lead hands-on activities and impart wisdom gained from their own career journeys.

The program will culminate with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Cleveland Clinic Simulation Center downtown.

“We’re grateful to the Cleveland Clinic and the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center for providing this career exposure and inspiring our next generation of healthcare leaders,” said Independence Middle School Principal Jamie Vanek. ∞