How a Powerful Partnership Is Bringing Career Exploration to Life

On a typical day in Christy Overby’s Biomedical Science or Medical Interventions classes at Decatur High School, students are immersed in hands-on learning.

Whether they are mixing solutions in lab vials, exploring how diseases spread, or practicing stitching techniques, students use textbooks and videos that lay the foundation, but learning truly comes to life when real-world lessons come to the classroom.

Through a powerful partnership between Federal Way Public Schools, the National Academy Foundation (NAF), and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), students in the CTE Health Sciences Program of Study gain meaningful opportunities to connect with experienced professionals and see firsthand what a future in health care can look like.

At Federal Way Public Schools we understand that investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals starts long before college, and schools can’t do it alone. It begins in classrooms, with community-based partners right alongside our teachers and our students who will shape the future of our community.

A doctor sharing her professional experiences with Decatur HS students, April 17, 2026

Bringing Healthcare Careers into the Classroom

Through FWPS’ partnership with VMFH’s and NAF, students aren’t just reading about healthcare careers—they’re experiencing them firsthand. The partnership focuses on connecting middle and high school students to meaningful, real-world healthcare experiences.

NAF establishes career‑based academies inside schools, offering hands‑on learning that mirrors real-industry practice. For students in the Academy of Health Sciences, that means true immersion.

If students are learning about stitches, VMFH sends in a nurse.
If they’re exploring diagnostics, clinicians walk them through how the tests work in real life.

These moments spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students imagine themselves in roles they may never have considered.

“They basically help us understand the opportunities we have and give us some ideas to where we might want to go or interests we may have. They give us advice to help us learn,” shared 11^th grade student Vincent.

“It is very important to take this opportunity of the classes offered here at Decatur and NAF, including the healthcare classes such as BioMed, Human Body Systems, Sports Medicine, and more,” shared, Abinizer, a 10^th grader who is a member of Future Health Professionals, or HOSA club, at Decatur HS.

“They (the mentors and volunteers) bring many hands-on activities. For example, one speaker that came, a dentist, brought multiple items to show us different kinds of procedures she does on clients. Another speaker talked about the research that she did, which now I want to do research,” shared tenth grader Isabella who wants to explore careers in the medical field.

Why Early Exposure Matters

Cora Wyche, VMFH Workforce Pathways Program Manager, emphasizes the importance of reaching students early:
School is a safe space to explore without cost, pressure, or risk. Students can ask questions, discover interests, and try new skills long before committing to a pathway.

This partnership creates opportunities for students to:

Connect classroom learning to real careers
Ask questions directly to professionals
Explore multiple healthcare pathways (both clinical and non‑clinical)
See the human side of healthcare—leadership, teamwork, and purpose

Students aren’t only learning what these careers are, but why they matter.

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

For students 16 and older, the partnership extends past school walls.
They can volunteer at VMFH locations, pairing with mentors who guide them through real patient care or operational environments.

These volunteer experiences offer:

Hands‑on skill development
Role‑play simulations and leadership practice
Exposure to diverse healthcare careers
More than 100 hours of service experience

Students see that healthcare is not just science and math; it’s problem‑solving, communication, empathy, and community.

Many students are motivated not just by personal advancement, but by supporting their families and community. They want work that aligns with their values and healthcare offers that possibility.

Students ask bold questions, embrace new experiences, and follow up eagerly with VMFH mentors. Their curiosity fuels the partnership’s continued growth.

A Unique Partnership Built on Innovation

Federal Way Public Schools approaches opportunities and welcomes new ways to engage students and removing barriers to career exploration. What makes this partnership stand out is a shared commitment to innovation, and collaborating to build meaningful, sustainable pathways for students, whether it’s:

Hosting career panels
Bringing mentors into classrooms
Supporting HOSA and other student leadership groups
Co‑creating new learning experiences

Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Students

Cora’s advice for students exploring healthcare careers is simple:

Start with a question.
Curiosity is the beginning of every career journey.
Do a little research.
Search engines are free, powerful tools for discovering programs, training, and pathways.
Talk to your teachers or CTE counselor.
They can connect you directly with opportunities and partners like VMFH.
Seek out mentors.
Whether through NAF, volunteer programs, or school-based events, guidance makes a big difference.

“Every question opens a door,” Cora says. “And behind that door could be the future you’ve been imagining.”