The Adventist Health Hanford emergency entrance is seen in this photo.

Central Valley health care provider Adventist Health announced the kickoff of LAUNCH (Learning and Understanding New Careers in Healthcare), a workforce development program aimed at inspiring the next generation of health care professionals.

LAUNCH offers students 16 and over the opportunity to explore a range of health care careers through hands-on learning, mentorship and professional development within clinical settings. Opportunities include both clinical and non-clinical career exposure.

“We’re incredibly excited to introduce LAUNCH to our Adventist Health communities,” said Jenny Lavers, operations executive, Adventist Health Central California Network, Bakersfield. “We want individuals to discover for themselves where they can make a lasting impact.”

The program will include three progressive tiers for participants to advance through, including an introductory phase, where participants engage in simulations and explore administrative and business functions; an engaging, hands-on phase; and experience phase, providing advanced, immersive experience within specific clinical and non-clinical departments.

“Our goal is to help students experience the full spectrum of healthcare careers — from the bedside to behind-the-scenes leadership,” says Tim Haydock, operations executive, Adventist Health Central California Network, Hanford. “We are proud to invest in programs that allow community members to gain skills and confidence as they prepare for their futures.”

LAUNCH, which will begin in February 2026 at campuses in Bakersfield and Hanford, looks to expand to six other Central Valley hospitals within the coming years, expanding access to prospective future health care professionals.

Applications for the first round of the program are open until Jan. 4, 2026. Applications will open during multiple intervals throughout the year, integrating high school and college students during any application period.

Additional information, including links to applications, can be found at the Adventist Health website.