TalentEd’s Pathways in Practice program launched and expanded its reach in 2026, connecting hundreds of high school students throughout the Detroit Region with healthcare professionals through hands-on, career-focused learning. Across participating schools, students engaged directly with industry experts representing a broad range of fields.
Industry Engagement and Impact
A key driver of this year’s success was the strength and diversity of employer and volunteer engagement, which included:
- Thirteen in-classroom visits were delivered across participating schools
- A wide range of volunteers who represented various healthcare fields, including:
- Healthcare supply chain and workforce development
- Imaging
- Nephrology
- Pathology
- Physical Therapy
- Veterinary Medicine
The following partner organizations from major regional employers and institutions:
- Corewell Health
- Detroit Medical Center
- Henry Ford Health
- Michigan Humane
- Trinity Health
- Wayne County Community College District
- Wayne State University
This cross-sector representation allowed students to explore both clinical and non-clinical career pathways, reinforcing the vast opportunities within healthcare.
Student Engagement and Experience
Student feedback reflects a highly engaging and accessible learning experience. More than half of students reported being “very familiar” with healthcare careers after participating, compared to a much smaller share prior to the program.
- A strong majority of students reported:
- Feeling actively engaged during sessions
- Being comfortable asking questions
- Experiencing sessions as more interactive than traditional classroom learning
Real Student Voices:
- “I loved how interactive the sessions were! I think it was great (specifically the first session) how many new jobs I was able to learn about. I also think it’s important to learn about new careers because there are so many unknown ones in healthcare.”
- “I loved hearing everyone’s stories about why they love what they do and how I could get involved.”
- “I liked learning about different healthcare careers and hearing directly from professionals, which helped me better understand my options and future paths.”
Shifts in Interest and Future Planning
Participation in Pathways in Practice led to measurable increases in student interest and action, including over 80% of students reporting an increased interest in exploring healthcare careers. Students who attended these events also reported concrete next steps they are more likely to take, which nearly all students said they would explore college or training pathways within healthcare.
There was a strong majority who expressed interest in internships, job shadowing, or career programs, and over half of the students plan to take additional health or science-related coursework.
What Students Valued
Common themes from student feedback include:
- Learning about a wide variety of healthcare careers
- Understanding real-world roles and career pathways
- Participating in hands-on, engaging activities
- Hearing directly from professionals and asking questions in a supportive environment
As we prepare for our next year of Pathways in Practice, we are always looking for more partners. Interested in getting involved or learning more? Contact Gillian Ryan at gryan@detroitchamber.com for more information.