Dynamic Futures program opens doors for high school students with diverse interests in behavioral, mental health fields
Adapted from an original report by UMass Chan Medical School Communications
This Summer, iCELS welcomed 22 Worcester high school students and recent high school graduates for three sessions at our center as a part of the Dynamic Futures program, an innovative initiative that the UMass Chan Medical School participates in.
The Dynamics Future program aims to help offset a shortage of mental and behavioral health providers by attracting students underrepresented in medicine to careers in the field. The program introduces students to behavioral health fields through an intensive four-week schedule of classes, off-campus outings and team-building exercises - some of which took place at the iCELS facilities.
While the program focuses on four key weeks in the summer, it will serve the interests of its participants year-round. Throughout the academic year, each student will also meet monthly with a local mental health expert who will serve as a mentor to help explore opportunities in the field. This year’s program started in July with online training, giving the students the opportunity to work within a professional, remote setting and get to know each other. The students later stayed in residence halls at Worcester State University.
Dynamic Futures will also provide financial assistance to each student to pursue a mental and behavioral health certification. The students in the program will be paid to help train other students who want to become peer counselors. The students will also be offered a free, college-level introductory psychology course.
The Dynamic Futures program is a partnership effort between UMass Chan Medical School, ForHealth Consulting, the City of Worcester, Worcester Public Schools, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Open Sky Community Services, Seven Hills Foundation, United Way of Central Massachusetts, Worcester State University, Clark University, Anna Maria College, Lesley University, MassHire, the Department of Public Peace Works, Worcester Community Action Council and Moleskine.
This program attracted media coverage on:
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Boston Globe: UMass Chan program encourages teens of color to pursue careers in behavioral health
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WCVB: CityLine: The next generation of mental health professionals
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Worcester Magazine: Program gives high school students insight into mental health, incarceration, homelessness
Original Article from UMass Chan Communications: Dynamic Futures program opens doors for high school students with diverse interests in behavioral, mental health fields
For further information please contact iCELS at iCELS@umassmed.edu or Phone: 508-856-5434
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Last updated Oct 3rd, 2023
