Created by: Rolly Etti and Dr. Jerry M. Maniate
This program was initially conceptualized and piloted with the Cooperative Education Program at Gloucester High School (Ottawa, Canada). Our goal is to create a positive and supportive co-op placement program for high school students from underrepresented populations in our health system.
We are appreciative of the in-kind support this program receives from:
Background of the EqHS Lab
Through the lens of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging, the Equity in Health Systems (EqHS) Lab seeks to investigate the key concepts of social determinants of health and their impact on our communities and health systems. The collaboration between the EqHS Lab and Gloucester High School (Ottawa, ON) will be a co-op placement with a diverse group of students who have strong perspectives on how to effect social change in our healthcare system by creating space for critical conversations outside of traditional structures.
Why should high school students consider participating with this co-op placement program?
This co-op placement will provide students with the opportunity to learn everything they can about the healthcare system. Students will develop and learn new skills such as project management, time management, and leadership, as well as potentially build networks (mentorship & sponsorship) that will benefit them in the future. Students will also have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing academic activities (such as research and education sessions) and will be exposed to clinical settings on occasion. Finally, students will have the opportunity to meet and converse with professionals in the field.
Learn more about this co-op placement program opportunity:
Collaborate with us to spread this program to other locations and sponsor amazing young people to transform the health system
For Schools and Hospitals / Health Organizations:
For Donors and Financial Supporters:
We are looking for additional hospital / health organizations and secondary schools to partner with us on this co-op placement program.
The Equity in Health Systems (EqHS) Lab has a vision that sees high school students (Grade 11 - 12) in a variety of locations connecting with their local hospitals and health care organizations to explore the key concepts of social determinants of health and their impact on our communities and health systems and to provide them with a valuable opportunity for mentorship and sponsorship as they seek to enter the health system as learners or staff/health care practitioners. These students would in turn be part of a mentoring network that supports others.
Our collaboration between the EqHS Lab and Gloucester High School (Ottawa, ON) has allowed to create a template for this unique co-op placement program that can be adapted and / or adopted in your location.
If you are interested to learn more about how you can collaborate with us and start a local program, click on the button to email us:
We are looking for people who have a vision for a better community to partner with us on this unique co-op placement program.
Your financial support can allow us:
1) to develop and enrich the experience of the students engaged in the co-op placement program
2) expand to other schools and communities to provide unique opportunities for mentorship and sponsorship with our diverse international team of EDIA leaders and influencers.
If you are interested to learn more about how you can support us, click on the button to email us: