The Career Launch Academy Orientation Kick Off

Last week Hire Local, a partnership of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative launched orientation for the 2026 Career Launch Academy at Baptist Health Sciences University. The paid, tuition-free summer program connects juniors and seniors from more than 20 Memphis high schools with hands-on health care pathways, including Certified Nursing Assistant, Healthcare Discovery, and Pre-EMT/EMT Transition. 

The Career Launch Academy is designed to help students take concrete steps toward careers in health care while building confidence, professional skills, and community connections. More than 100 students and their parents or guardians attended the first orientation, marking the start of a season of learning, field experiences, and mentorship. 

"Career Launch Academy's orientation isn't just about preparing students — it's about a community coming together. When volunteers, partners, and young people gather in that space at Baptist University, something real happens. That's the work." — Benita Gordon, Workforce Training Specialist Memphis Medical District Collaborative | Hire Local 901 

Benita expressed that, "There's something powerful about the moment when over 100 students and parents/guardians walk through those doors at Baptist University for the first time — not as visitors, but as the next generation of Memphis health care. The Collaboration Building has been more than a venue for Career Launch Academy; it's been a launchpad. Baptist University’s investment in this space, this partnership, and these students is the kind of community commitment that changes trajectories. We don't take that lightly — and these young people won't either." 

Two-year student participant Emily Vasquez shared why she loves the program. “I came back for a second year because the experience is something very beneficial in the sense that it helps you further your interest in looking for careers It also helps you grow as a person as, like interacting with other people, and growing into being somebody who's more open.  I also came back because I found out that I have an interest in patient care when I was exploring and went out on field trips in the Career Launch Academy program.” 

Baptist University is grateful for the opportunity to engage, educate, and empower the next generation of Memphis health care professionals. Thank you to the Memphis Medical District Collaborative for the continued partnership and shared commitment to workforce development, community investment, and equitable access. For more information on Hire Local’s programs visit hirelocal.com.