Program overview

Program length: 3 years
Cohort size: 20 students
Location: Jacksonville, Florida

A collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Duval County Public Schools, #NextGenMed is a mentorship and career exploration program aimed at supporting underrepresented high school students aspiring to have careers in healthcare.

Beginning in their 10th grade year, Mayo Clinic pairs participating students with an experienced healthcare professional who will serve as a mentor to help the student navigate their short- and long-term educational, career, and professional development goals. The diverse group of mentors can be a resource and offer guidance to students throughout their high school years and beyond. Mentors and students are given a framework and the autonomy to develop their relationship in a way that works best for both.

To inform students of the extensive range of career opportunities in healthcare, program participants are invited to in-person and virtual day-long career awareness activities. Occurring a few times throughout the school year, these events are designed to showcase occupations and provide students a chance to learn about many different areas of healthcare. During these sessions, Mayo Clinic staff share their individual backgrounds, educational and career journeys, and offer a glimpse into their daily work lives. Attendees can also participate in exploratory activities to aid them in becoming familiar with what various healthcare professions can entail through hands-on experiences, virtual simulations, and interactive teaching modalities.

Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are expected are now open. The deadline for completed applications is March 22, 2024.

Prerequisites

To participate in this program, students must be enrolled at an affiliated school, currently including:

• Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts

Application instructions

Email the following contact to request an application:

Rhonda Harrigan
Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts
School Counselor and Department Chair
harrigranr@duvalschools.org 

Other schools may be added in the future.

Program expectations

Admitted students are expected to:

• Be available and take an active role in the mentoring relationship. The typical mentee and mentor meet virtually at least once per month for approximately 30-60 minutes.
• Engage in activities with a curious, open, and learning mindset.
• Submit all required paperwork by the deadline, as noted in the admission letter if accepted.
• Remain in good standing with Duval County Public Schools.
• Abide by the program's Code of Conduct.

Tuition and fees

There is no cost to participate. Students selected to participate in this voluntary program will not receive compensation.