Lexington Medical Center is home to an innovative program that employs high school students, teaching them the value of hard work and strengthening America’s future work force. Steve Howell, Lexington Medical Center’s director of nutrition services, created the program in 2011. He hired local high school students to deliver trays of food to patients, with goals of introducing the students to the work force and allowing them to experience working for a good employer and develop a positive work ethic.
After a rigorous application and interview process, students selected for the program undergo a mini-orientation with Human Resources before beginning work. Older employees take the students under their wing, allowing them to gain experience from an established work force.
“People underestimate what kids can do,” says Steve. “We truly give back to the community and what a better way than with our upcoming work force. It doesn’t get better than that.”
In recognition of his hard work, Steve has received a national Spotlight Award from the Association for Healthcare Food Service for this progressive program. He traveled to Miami, Fla. in June to make a presentation about the project and to accept the award.
Students interested in applying for the program should contact Lexington Medical Center Human Resources at (803) 791-2131.
* Editor’s note: This article as published in our September issue incorrectly identified this program as the Partners Program. For more information about the Partners Program, click here.
