Bridging the Gap 2026

Building the Next Generation of Local Healthcare Professionals 

What if exploring a career in healthcare could start right here at home? 

For the participants in NEW Health’s 2026 Bridging the Gap program, that question became an opportunity to learn, grow, and experience what a future in healthcare could look like. 

Now in its second year, Bridging the Gap is a paid summer workforce development program through NEW Health University designed to give participants practical experience, career exposure, mentorship, and a clearer path toward future opportunities in healthcare. 

The program is built around a simple idea: learning can open the door, but hands-on experience and mentorship can help students see where that door might lead. 

Throughout the program, participants worked alongside NEW Health teams, developed workplace skills, took on real responsibilities, and gained a better understanding of the many career opportunities available within healthcare. 

From Learning to Career Readiness 

Bridging the Gap goes beyond traditional classroom learning. 

Training helps participants build foundational skills and workplace confidence. Hands-on experiences allow interns to turn that knowledge into practical ability. Mentorship and feedback then help them identify their next steps and think about where they want their careers to go. 

Together, these experiences create an accessible entry point into healthcare for people who may still be exploring their options. 

And while the program is designed to introduce people to healthcare careers, it also gives them something just as valuable: the opportunity to discover what they are capable of. 

Real Experiences. Real Contributions. 

The impact of the 2026 cohort could be seen in the work these program participants accomplished throughout their time at NEW Health. 

Edelin, who worked as a Care Coordinator, quickly became a valued member of the team. She remained engaged and productive while balancing onboarding and training, asked questions when needed, and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and positive attitude. 

Her work also translated into measurable results. Edelin closed 519 referrals and processed 408 documents, exceeding the expectations set for her role. 

Her experience demonstrates what can happen when people are given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully while learning on the job. 

Turning Experience Into a Career Direction 

For Aspen, the program helped turn hands-on experience into a clearer vision for the future. 

Aspen approached her time with NEW Health with determination, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. She embraced the opportunity to develop practical skills in a healthcare setting and made the most of her experience. 

That experience helped strengthen her interest in the dental field. 

Growing Into a Vital Team Member 

At Dental, Kaeleen quickly became a valued member of the team. Staff described her as smart, kind, and a team player, and appreciated her support with sterilization. Over time, they watched her confidence and knowledge grow. 

She brought that same eagerness to learn Medical, where she asked questions, looked for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, and demonstrated care and attention to detail with employees and patients. 

Her growth made such an impression that one team member shared: 

“She is what I would look for in an employee for that position.” -Linda, NEW Health Operations Manager

Kaeleen’s experience shows how quickly students can grow when they are given responsibility, support, and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. 

Making an Impact Beyond the Role 

For Liam, his contribution went beyond completing assigned tasks. 

Liam brought exceptional teamwork and positivity to the workplace. His optimistic and encouraging attitude had a noticeable impact on the team and workplace culture. 

That energy also translated into measurable results. During his time with the team, Lake Spokane served 103 additional patients compared with the prior month, contributing to stronger MCO outreach. 

It is a reminder that workforce development is not only about what students learn; it’s also about what they bring to the teams and communities around them. 

The Power of Showing Up with a Team-First Mindset 

Keeley brought a similar spirit to her experience at NEW Health. 

Described by her team as “a ray of sunshine in the office,” Keeley consistently brought positive energy and enthusiasm to her work. She showed a willingness to learn, readily took on new challenges, and was always eager to help her coworkers. 

Her experience highlights another important part of career readiness: learning how to be a dependable, supportive member of a team. 

Skills like communication, collaboration, curiosity, and a willingness to step up can make a lasting difference, regardless of the career path a student ultimately chooses. 

Why Workforce Development Matters in Rural Communities 
 
For rural communities, creating pathways into healthcare is about more than helping individuals find summer employment. 

It is about building the future workforce our communities need and giving local people the skills and experience to strengthen the communities they call home. 

When people have opportunities to learn, gain practical skills, and explore careers locally, the impact can extend far beyond their time at NEW Health. The knowledge, confidence, and experience they gain can follow them into future jobs, education, volunteer opportunities, and other ways of serving their communities. 

In this way, workforce development becomes community development. 

NEW Health’s goal is not simply to build a stronger workforce for our organization. It is to help strengthen the broader workforce across Northeast Washington by investing in people and giving them opportunities to grow. 

People who grow up in the region may not always realize how many career paths exist within healthcare or other local industries. Bridging the Gap allows them to experience those opportunities firsthand, connect with professionals in their communities, and begin building skills and relationships that can support their future. 

Whether a participant ultimately builds a career at NEW Health, pursues another opportunity in the region, or takes their skills into a completely different field, the investment in their growth has the potential to benefit the community as a whole. 

Investing in People. Strengthening Communities. 

Bridging the Gap is part of NEW Health’s broader commitment to workforce development through NEW Health University. 

By combining education, hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth, NEW Health is working to create accessible career pathways and strengthen the regional healthcare workforce. 

But the ultimate goal extends beyond filling positions. 

It is about creating opportunities for people to develop skills, discover their potential, and become contributors to the communities around them. 

When local interns gain experience and confidence, they carry those skills forward. They become future employees, leaders, healthcare professionals, business owners, volunteers, mentors, and community members who can help Northeast Washington continue to grow and thrive. 

By investing in people today, we are helping build a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Looking Ahead 

The 2026 Bridging the Gap cohort brought curiosity, enthusiasm, determination, and a willingness to learn to NEW Health this summer. In return, students gained real-world experience, professional connections, and skills they can carry into whatever comes next. 

Their accomplishments are worth celebrating, not only because of what they achieved during
the program, but because of what those experiences may make possible in the years ahead. 

For NEW Health, workforce development is about looking beyond today’s staffing needs and investing in the long-term strength of the communities we serve. 

When we give emerging professionals the opportunity to learn and grow, we are not only helping them build their own futures. We are helping build the future of Northeast Washington. 

Because when we invest in people, the impact reaches far beyond one organization, it strengthens the communities we all call home. 

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