Preparing Students for Careers in Healthcare: FACES for the Future – San Diego
Foundation support helps connect high school students with real-world opportunities, mentorship, and career pathways in the healthcare field.
At the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, we are proud to support programs that open doors for young people and create lasting opportunities for success. One such program is FACES for the Future – San Diego, hosted by Rady Children’s Hospital, which prepares high school students for careers in healthcare—careers that offer livable wages, stability, and meaningful upward mobility.
Through hands-on learning experiences, leadership development, and wellness education, students gain practical exposure to the medical field along with the confidence and resilience needed to navigate college, career pathways, and life’s challenges. Programs like FACES help cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthen the future of patient care.
Creating Real-World Connections
With funding support from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation, FACES for the Future hosted a Career Fair and Networking Event designed to introduce students to the wide range of roles that make up today’s healthcare system—from clinical positions to technical and support professions accessible through various education and certification pathways.
A Day of Opportunity and Inspiration
The Career Fair brought together 13 partner organizations that shared professional development guidance, scholarship information, and employment opportunities with more than 70 students. The event also strengthened collaboration among community organizations, local healthcare partners, and Rady Children’s Health Human Resources team.
Equally valuable were the connections formed between current students and FACES alumni. Seniors were introduced to the ongoing support they will receive through the FACES Alumni Association as they transition into college and the workforce, while alumni were able to reconnect, mentor students, and share their experiences.
Learning and Growing Along the Way
This year’s event also marked a milestone for new Youth Development Supervisor Jose Perez, who successfully led the initiative in his first year in the role. The experience provided valuable insights that will help enhance future programming with additional educational materials and professional development resources.
An unexpected but encouraging outcome was the strong participation from graduating seniors. This highlighted the importance of tailoring future events to students actively seeking internships, certification programs, and next steps after high school. Plans are now underway to design targeted events both for graduating students and for alumni entering the workforce or continuing their education.
Looking Ahead
FACES for the Future plans to build on this momentum by expanding future career fairs and increasing participation from healthcare and community partners. Additional goals include:
Offering scholarships for certification programs such as Nursing Assistant and Dental Assistant training
Reducing transportation barriers so students can attend college and career events
Providing professional headshots and individualized career development support
Expanding access to medical education supplies for hands-on clinical skill building
Strengthening Futures Through Opportunity
Beyond the numbers, the program fostered a strong sense of connection among students and partners alike. Participants left with clearer goals, valuable contacts, and renewed motivation to pursue careers in healthcare.
We are grateful to partner with organizations like FACES for the Future that are investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals and creating meaningful pathways to success.
