HEALTH CAREER PATHWAYS || FALL 2024
FOR THIS ISSUE
Most Innovative Solution Awardees
News for Home Businesses
Master’s Degrees Letters of Rec
Applying to Med School
Resources for mental health & undocumented students
Scholarships & Opportunities
*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter and related articles do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Contra Costa Health
Fall is coming, which means our 2024 summer internship has come to a successful close Our HCP interns achieved some amazing things! This past summer, 21 high school interns were matched with a variety of new and returning mentors throughout the county. Interns met with their mentors to brainstorm career pathways and broaden their understanding of community health and equity-in-action. Each intern also created and presented their own equity solutions project. They did outstanding work. With the knowledge the mentors and HCP team provided, our interns now have the opportunity to extend their learning and new professionalism skills into their classrooms and beyond!
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Dozier-Libbey Medical High School
Dougherty Valley High School
Dozier-Libbey Medical High School
Dozier-Libbey Medical High School
Dozier-Libbey Medical High School
“To equity and beyond: Where innovation meets infinite potential.”
Aarushi Riya
Anaiya Willis
Awahnee Rey
Dayana Garcia
Elena Harrizon
Jasalea Perdomo Deer Valley High School Skylaa Hill Deer Valley High School
Exciting News! Contra Costa County has just introduced a new permit that allows people to legally operate small scale restaurants from their own homes. This Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) permit is a huge win for local and aspiring food entrepreneurs!
The new MEHKO permit allows you to run a restaurant from within your own home, letting you cook and sell a variety of homemade foods like tacos, BBQ and so much more! MEHKOs can offer meals
for dine-in, take-out, and/or delivery, and can also be used as a commissary for permitted food carts. This MEHKO permit opens doors, but with a few limits. For example, operators can’t serve more than 30 meals a day or 90 meals a week, and gross annual sales cannot exceed $100,000. Additionally, raw milk, raw milk products, or raw oysters are not allowed!
Despite some restrictions, this is a huge step in the right direction for food lovers and people looking to start their own business. This permit helps reduce costs by eliminating the need for commercial kitchen rentals and offers flexibility for small-scale chefs.
Interested in starting your own home kitchen adventure? This permit makes it easier to turn your culinary passion into a reality!
Learn all about what you will need to apply for the MEHKO permit, including how to schedule consultations, registering for workshops, and other resources. The county is buzzing with new applications, and they're happy to help you navigate the process.So, get cooking and maybe you'll be next to share your culinary magic with the community!
CLICK HERE
Tips for success on “how” to request a letter:
DO make a professional one-onone inquiry, preferably via email or in-person by asking if they would feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation for you and provide the deadline, method (eg. Email or hard copy letter, upload via online portal) and the purpose (eg. award nominations, job reference, college recommendation, scholarships, etc )
DO ask a person that can easily speak to your positive traits and strengths. If you think it will be difficult for them to share strong examples, it’s best to select someone else that can
DO obtain a letter from a recommender that is NOT a teacher or school counselor to ensure your profile will stand out from students that rely only on school-related recommendations
Ensure to download for fillable PDF
tion matters when it ecause it influences a student s acceptance A recommendation letter is an essential element that offers a distinct viewpoint on the student's character, work ethic, and potential contributions to the university. It provides an insight into the student's character that grades and test results are unable to capture Recommendation letters are more than just formalities; they are statements about a student's preparedness for the demands of a university education. A survey conducted by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling indicates that while 46% of colleges consider recommendation letters to be of "moderate importance," 15% of colleges believe they are of "considerable importance." This is especially important now that colleges are putting more emphasis on developing dynamic, diverse student bodies. Desirable characteristics like initiative, leadership, and empathy are important for a well-rounded learning environment and are not identified by reviewing a transcript
“When” and “how” to ask for a good recommendation letter are also important factors to consider. Even though the “when” may seem obvious, it's best to inquire early with recommenders Teachers, supervisors, and mentors already have a lot on their plates, and many of them will receive multiple students’ requests during the same timeframe. Your recommender will appreciate you more (and their letter will be more thoughtful) if you ask and provide at least 3 weeks advance notice.
Recommenders write stronger letters when they know all about your experiences, goals, and personal background. It's highly recommended to also send a current resume and/or a "Brag Sheet" describing these details as a reference at the time of your request. Check out HCP's Brag Sheet template here! Good Luck!
Letter of Rec: Medical school applications typically require 4-5 recommendation letters, including at least 2 from science professors and 1 from a non-science professor. Additional letters can come from extracurricular activities like research or clinical experience, with DO (osteopathic) schools suggesting a letter from a DO doctor. To secure strong letters, it's important to build relationships with potential recommenders and approach them well before the deadline, highlighting your achievements and qualities.
To learn more about specific medical schools, the MSAR website provides detailed information on MD programs, while the DO Explorer offers insights into DO programs These resources help applicants find schools that align with their goals and qualifications.
The MCAT: is a $335 exam offered multiple times annually, with scores typically released about a month after testing It covers four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations, Chemical and Physical Foundations, Psychological and Social Foundations, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Acceptable scores for admission vary, with successful applicants often scoring between 507520, and many take the test more than once to achieve their best score Preparation resources include free and paid options like Khan Academy, Jack Westin, Anki, and UWorld.
Let the young know they will never find a more interesting, more instructive book than the patient himself.”
—Giorgio Baglivi
Medical Programs: MD programs are traditional medical school paths that award graduates the title of Doctor of Medicine. DO programs are similar but emphasize Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). OMT involves hands-on techniques to treat illness by moving muscles and joints A DO career focuses more on a holistic approach, including OMT, while an MD career traditionally emphasizes traditional methods without this specialized manual therapy. BS/MD programs offer a combined undergraduate and medical school pathway
Application Cycle: It consists of three main stages: the primary application (AMCAS & ACCOMAS), secondary applications, and interviews. The primary application includes a personal statement, activities, and transcript submission, requiring at least two months of preparation Most applicants apply to around 30 schools-with each school costing around $46. After initial review, schools may send secondary applications with additional essays, often accompanied by fees (~$75) unless you qualify for assistance. If selected for an interview, your chances of acceptance significantly increase, making professionalism crucial. For comprehensive guidance, a free resource provided by a previous applicant is available to help you become a competitive candidate
Pursuing a career in medicine is challenging, but with determination and the right resources, you can succeed Remember that every step, from researching schools to preparing applications, brings you closer to your goal. Stay focused, believe in your abilities, and know that the hard work you ' re putting in now will lead to a rewarding and impactful career.
To the life-long learners, have you ever wondered "how much school is too much"? This answer is an easy one: THERE IS NO SUCH THING!
As you begin to embark on your educational and career journeys after high school, the possibilities are endless when it comes to learning new things, developing new skills, and meeting new connections! While there is no one path to having a successful life, obtaining an educational degree has proven to positively impact one ' s personal, professional, financial, and familial circumstances. Entering this world of academia can be overwhelming and exciting! It can also leave you feeling uncertain about which major to choose, what classes to take, or decide if school is right for you in general If this is you, the option to attend community college is available where you can earn an associate's degree. Not only are community colleges more affordable, but they are also flexible to the needs of individual students. On the other hand, some of you may be ready to jump right into a 4-year college/university to earn your bachelor's degree! Not only does earning a bachelor's increase the odds of you securing a career in the field/industry you love, but it also opens doors to even more employment and networking opportunities! Below you will find sone additional details on the difference between an associate's, bachelor's, and other educational degrees.
Associate's degree
Two-year program offered by community colleges, technical schools and some universities
Quick Entry into the Workforce
Lower costs
Transferrable units to a four-year university
Bachelor's degree
Four-year undergraduate program offered by colleges and universities. It is considered the standard degree for many professions and provides a comprehensive education in a specific field.
In-Depth Education
Higher earning potential
Greater chances of job stability
Master's degree
Postgraduate academic program (known as graduate programs) that typically requires one to two years of additional study beyond a bachelor’s degree It offers a more specialized and advanced level of education in a specific field. Expertise and Credibility
Higher earning potential
Career advancement in higher level positions
Doctoral degree
The highest level of education that involves original research Usually takes several years beyond a master's degree
Can be attained in almost any field of study
Getting an education is one of the best decisions someone can make Your very interests and passions can turn into life-fulling careers and professions the more you develop your craft! Although getting an education is full of exciting experiences, it is also a privilege that is not experienced by everyone. Structural inequality limits access for students, primarily historically marginalized populations, growing up in under-resourced neighborhoods and schools which makes them less likely to receive the same resources and preparation to succeed during and after high school If we were to look it demographically, less than 20% of ethnic minorities obtain bachelor's degrees compared to white counterparts and are more likely to be first generation college students compared to white college students. Take a look at some detailed facts below:
Less than 19% of Hispanic/Latino population earn master's degrees
Only 9% of Black/African population have earned a master's degree
Less than 50% of Blacks, Hispanics, and Native American students are enrolled in graduate programs
Master's degrees are obtained by more females than males
If you are thinking about furthering your education after college, here are some tips:
Be sure to maintain between a 2 5 - 3 0 GPA (look at graduate programs for their GPA requirement and try to maintain that during your undergraduate years)
Think about a specific area of focus you would want to study after you get your bachelor's degree
Get connected as early as you can with your professors and maintain those relationships
Look at your finances and decide if it's worth it! There are always financial aid options as well.
Utilize your mentors and ask all the questions
1.LosAngelesPacificUniversity.2023.“AssociatesDegreevsBachelor'sDegreevsMaster'sDegree:WhatistheDifference?”LosAngelesPacificUniversity. https://www.lapu.edu/associates-degree-vs-bachelors-degree-vs-masters-degree-what-is-the-difference/.
2.NationalCenterforEducationStatistics.n.d.“FastFacts:Degreesconferredbyrace/ethnicityandsex(72).”NationalCenterforEducationStatistics.AccessedSeptember6, 2024.https://nces.ed.gov/FastFacts/display.asp?id=72.
3.Schlette,Jennifer.n.d.“13ProsandConsofaMaster'sinPublicHealthProgram.”Nursingprocess.org.AccessedSeptember6,2024.https://www.nursingprocess.org/mphpros-and-cons.html.
4.BradleyUniversity.2021.“DiversityinHigherEducation:Statistics,Gaps,andResources-08-06-2021.”UCDA.https://www.ucda.com/journal/diversity-in-higher-education/.
Did you know that having an MPH allows you to work in various health fields, both clinical and non-clinical?
What is an MPH?
An MPH is a Master of Public Health degree. As public health continues to work towards protecting and improving the health of people and their communities, individuals who hold an MPH will use their knowledge and skills for education regarding preventing disease, prolonging life, and improving quality of life. There are job positions working in a hospital, research, local and state health departments, and education to name a few Having an MPH also secures opportunities for leadership positions!
Some of the required classes included:
Epidemiological Statistics
Multicultural Health
Health Policy
Health Program Planning
Environmental Health
So why does all of this matter? Because you are public health! Where you live, go to school, work, worship, and play all have direct and indirect contributions to your health and quality of life. BIPOC communities are even more disadvantaged and suffer greater health outcomes. We encourage students of color to pursue MPHs not just because it sounds nice, but because of the power in belonging and representation And this is where our BIPOC students come in! Not only will they be furthering their knowledge in public health, but they will be doing so in a way that positions them to obtain roles and positions for decision making where they can advocate and champion for the health equity of people that look like them. Communities feel empowered and more trusting when they see their own holding spaces that make change, especially regarding health!
University It was a 24-month accelerated program where 1 class was taken at a time for 7 weeks The fast-paced nature of the program forced me to make many sacrifices to be successful. A lot of my time was dedicated to my studies, and I still had to maintain balance with working full-time. I was challenged in ways that I had never been challenged before and had to learn new skills and methods relatively quickly
On the other hand, I really enjoyed what I got out of my program. I loved learning about different issues in public health and how I could help improve them! I enjoyed meeting new people and hearing about their career paths and interests I really enjoyed being able to choose all of my research topics to gain better understanding of how I could be a part of the solutions. Graduate school was an amazing experience!”
Now that school is in session and your workload increases, it’s not only important to take care of your physical health but as well as your mental health. Below is a list resources available locally and nation-wide.
Check out this interactive map! It includes info on free to low cost services and other programs to support your well-being.
Are you or someone you know an undocumented student? It can be scary navigating the world and asking for help. Check out the resource list below! It provides info on numerous resources available to you from financial to educational support.
www goingmerry com/blog/why-we-started-the-going-merry-scholarshipsapp-the-origin-story/ www.fastweb.com www.petersons.com/scholarship-search.aspx
www niche com/colleges/scholarships/ www.bold.org/scholarships/
www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/scholarship-search
www scholarshipowl com www.unigo.com/scholarships
www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx
Sponsoring True Advocacy for Challenged Youth Scholarship (Deadline 9/15/2024) bit ly/4eP3v73
Contra Costa County NOW Scholarship (Deadline 5/15/2025) www.scholarships.com/scholarships/contra-costa-county-now-scholarship
Questbridge Full Ride Match Scholarship Local Scholarships
RYSE Center
Young Men’s Group - Starts Sept. 19
Physical Health Promotion Cohort
Deadline Monday, Sept. 9th
$300 monthly stipend
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank open position
Distribution Assistant
Rubicon Programs Open Positions
Reentry Coach
Impact Coach
Antioch Youth Services
Mayor’s Apprenticeship Program
Deadline: Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024
Interested in mental health advocacy?
Contra Costa SPIRIT Program
Deadline: Oct. 4, 2024
Interested in public safety, reentry, and justice-related issues? APPLY NOW!
Open Member Seats for Community Advisory Board (CAB) on AB 109 Public Safety Realignment
Candidates with Lived Experiences, Young Adults (18-25) & Central County Residents are Encouraged to Apply!
