Investing in the future: The PeaceHealth Mentorship Program
A philanthropy-powered program giving young people meaningful work, mentorship and a path forward.
On her first day at the hospital, a Kelso High School student stood inside the doors, taking it all in — the steady rhythm of caregivers moving with purpose, the quiet conversations, the hum of a place dedicated to healing. Just weeks earlier, she had been sitting in class wondering what her future might hold. Now, she was a PeaceHealth caregiver.
That transformation — from uncertainty to possibility — is at the heart of the PeaceHealth Mentorship Program. And it’s only possible because of philanthropy.
Founded at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in 1997 through the vision of Sister Rose Marie Nigro, CSJP, the program reflects our Mission in action. Sister Rose believed deeply in the dignity and promise of every young person. She understood that opportunity, guidance and belief can change the trajectory of a life. Nearly three decades later, that belief continues to shape this work.
From the very beginning, philanthropy played a vital role in bringing the program to life at St. John. Generous community partners invested in an idea — that supporting young people early could create stability, confidence and lasting opportunity. This investment has opened powerful pathways for hundreds of students, helping them earn meaningful wages, grow in confidence and life skills and pursue their education with the financial support they need to thrive.
Today, philanthropy remains essential as the program grows and expands to its second location. At PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, where the program launched this year in partnership with HELA High School, donor support is helping establish a strong foundation for its inaugural cohort. Many of these students face systemic barriers to success, and most will be first-generation college students. Community investment ensures they are not navigating that path alone.
While each community’s approach reflects local needs, the foundation is the same: hire high school juniors and seniors, welcome them into meaningful work and surround them with mentorship.
Students work up to 10 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours during school breaks. They work in departments such as Information Technology, the Family Birth Center, Central Supply, Volunteer Services and more. They learn how a hospital functions through lived experiences. They see teamwork under pressure. They witness compassion in action. They begin to imagine themselves in roles that once felt out of reach.
As one student shared, “Getting this job meant that I would be able to see what it was like to work in the healthcare field from a young age. I have been able to see how different parts of the hospital work together to provide patients with the best experience. I have learned so much within the past couple of months about things I didn’t think were that important but have shown how vital they are in a hospital.”
The program is designed to support long-term success. One-third of each student’s earnings is set aside in a savings account. Upon completion of the program and graduation from high school, those funds — with interest — are returned to the student. PeaceHealth then matches that amount with a scholarship to support continued education. It is an investment in their future and a powerful reminder that their work and their goals matter.
But the impact extends beyond financial support. A steady mentor, a first professional reference, a paycheck earned with pride — these experiences build confidence and direction. They help young people see what is possible.
“Watching our caregivers work with these students, you really see how the next generation is being shaped right in front of you,” said Michelle Domenico, Director of Volunteer Services and Operations at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center. “When a young person realizes, ‘Hey, I might actually want to do this,’ it changes everything — for them and for our community. Supporting this program isn’t just about giving a student a job. It’s about helping build the future of local healthcare, one relationship at a time.”
At its core, mentorship is about nurturing potential. Through philanthropy and partnership, we are empowering young lives today while helping ensure compassionate care for tomorrow.
To learn more about philanthropy at PeaceHealth, visit peacehealth.org/foundation
About PeaceHealth Foundations: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Since 1890, PeaceHealth has been guided by a Mission of healing and compassion. Today, PeaceHealth Foundations carry forward that legacy — powered by philanthropy and grounded in community. As the philanthropic partner to PeaceHealth’s nine medical centers and more than 160 clinics, we help expand access, advance technology and empower caregivers to provide exceptional and compassionate care. Every gift ensures that outstanding care continues to reach families, friends and neighbors throughout the Northwest. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Discover the impact of philanthropy at peacehealth.org/foundation.
