Columbia, South Carolina, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina, is launching the Midlands Youth Apprenticeship program, offering high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nursing. Partnering with Prisma Health, Midlands Technical College, and local school districts, this program allows students to work as Nursing Support Assistants while also earning college credits. With this innovative initiative, students can explore the healthcare field and pave their way for future careers, benefiting both education and the local healthcare system.
Exciting News in Columbia: A New Nursing Apprenticeship for High School Students!
Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as the Midlands Youth Apprenticeship (MYA) program has officially launched a brand new initiative in nursing. This innovative program aims to provide high school students with a chance to explore the healthcare field while still in school, and it has caught the attention of many eager young minds.
Who’s Behind This New Program?
The MYA program is a collaborative effort involving several key players. Prisma Health Human Resources and Nursing Academics are squarely in the mix, along with Midlands Technical College, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and Richland School District Two. Together, these organizations are paving the way for students to gain hands-on experience in nursing, an area that’s consistently in demand.
Meet the Trailblazers!
As of August 1, 2025, six enthusiastic students have taken the leap into this exciting apprenticeship:
- Joselyn Cruz Flores from Richland Northeast High
- Eva Eargle from Blythewood High
- Chrystian Nesmith from Blythewood High
- Jaidyn Robinson from Ridge View High
- Casey Shaw from Spring Valley High
- Justin Washington from Spring Valley High
These budding healthcare professionals will be stepping into roles as Nursing Support Assistants on a PRN basis, which means they will work as needed to support the essential functions of patient care.
A Dual Enrollment Advantage
What’s even more remarkable about the MYA program is that students are dually enrolled. This means that while they’re still attending high school, they are also taking courses at Midlands Technical College. By the time they finish their apprenticeship, students will have completed all prerequisite courses necessary to pursue a nursing career.
Building Future Healthcare Heroes
So, what does this mean for the students as they progress through the MYA program? They are set to earn approximately 32 college credits, which is like having three semesters of college already paid for! Not only that, but they will also gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field, which opens up numerous future employment opportunities. This approach not only lessens the financial burden of education but also prepares these young individuals for a rewarding career in healthcare.
Excitement and Opportunities Await
The reaction from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Many express enthusiasm about the chance to learn and grow in a field they aspire to enter; they see this as an incredible opportunity. They’ll be exposed to various facets of healthcare that will undoubtedly enrich their education and prepare them for their future careers.
A Win-Win for Everyone
The MYA program doesn’t just benefit the students; it offers a boon to the healthcare system as well. By fostering a skilled future workforce, the program contributes to the strength and sustainability of healthcare in Columbia and beyond. Fewer financial barriers and early exposure to careers in nursing are vital elements in attracting new talent to healthcare professions.
Overall Impact
As this program takes flight, it hopes to show that hands-on learning paired with academic study can have a positive impact on the lives of students, helping them step confidently into their chosen careers. Columbia is lucky to have such innovative programs that cultivate youth interest in the medical field while addressing local workforce needs.
FAQ Section
What is the Midlands Youth Apprenticeship (MYA) program?
The MYA program is designed to help high school students gain hands-on experience in healthcare, specifically in nursing, while providing academic support through dual enrollment with Midlands Technical College.
Who can participate in the MYA program?
The program is available to high school students from participating schools in Richland School District Two.
What job roles do students take on in this program?
Students are employed as Nursing Support Assistants by Prisma Health, working on an as-needed basis.
What benefits do students receive from the MYA program?
Students can earn approximately 32 college credits while gaining vital work experience in the healthcare field, which opens many doors for future employment.
How does this program help reduce education costs?
By earning college credits while still in high school, students can significantly decrease the time and money they need to invest in their nursing education after graduation.
Program Highlights
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Youth Apprenticeship | Offers high school students practical nursing experience. |
| Collaboration | Involves Prisma Health, Midlands Technical College, and local schools. |
| Dually Enrolled | Students take courses at both high school and Midlands Technical College. |
| College Credits | Students may earn up to 32 college credits. |
| Job Experience | Work as Nursing Support Assistants for valuable field exposure. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Daily Reporter: Milwaukee Youth Apprenticeship in Skilled Trades
- WQOW: Students Explore Career Options at Youth Apprenticeship Fair
- Washington Post: Trump Apprenticeship for High School Students
- Daily Reporter: Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship Grants Approved
- Columbia Spectator: New York City Youth Apprenticeships Pilot Program
- Wikipedia: Apprenticeship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Apprenticeship
- Google Search: Youth Apprenticeships
- Google Scholar: Youth Apprenticeships
- Google News: Youth Apprenticeships
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