Sentara, Chesapeake schools open healthcare career pathways for middle-school students

Sentara and Chesapeake Public Schools have launched a partnership aimed at giving middle school students an immersive look at careers in healthcare at a formative stage in their lives.

Eighth-grade students from Jolliff Middle School spent a day at the Sentara Simulation Center in Chesapeake; they explored healthcare roles through hands-on activities and interactive learning. 

The experience complements the school division's regional Health Sciences Academy by broadening exposure and ensuring more students can explore their interests in the field.

Students rotated through 20-minute breakout sessions, gaining practical skills and insights. 

They practiced proper handwashing techniques using blue-light inspection, learned how to safely put on and remove gowns and gloves, identified the signs of stroke, and used stethoscopes to listen to heart and lung sounds. 

Students also performed CPR on mannequins and participated in an engaging “Myths of Vaping” group activity.  

“The ability to see what we’ve been talking about takes it to another level,” said Geshla Windley, eighth-grade counselor at Jolliff Middle School. “It’s less talking and more doing, and that’s what really connects with students.”

Windley emphasized the importance of reaching students early. “Middle school is where the foundation really starts taking shape,” she said. “We sometimes underestimate their curiosity, but they want real, meaningful experiences.”

The partnership grew from a vision to expand career exposure opportunities across Chesapeake Public Schools. 

Tiffany Blow, Chesapeake Public Schools work-based learning coordinator, initially reached out to Sentara to explore job shadowing possibilities but was met with a broader invitation.

“I was encouraged to dream about what these students could experience, and Sentara would help make it happen,” Blow said. “My mind was blown to get that kind of response. That kind of partnership just doesn't happen every day.”

Blow noted that early engagement is key to maintaining momentum and interest. “When students get to connect what they’re learning to real-life experiences, it makes it meaningful,” she said. “It helps them see what’s possible.”

At Sentara, leaders say it’s equally important to highlight the wide range of careers that support healthcare delivery. 

“There’s a strong focus on clinical roles, but there are so many other opportunities – IT, finance, education – that are essential to healthcare,” said Debra Gillis, Sentara’s manager of system simulation education. “We want students to see the full picture.”

For Sentara, the effort reflects a broader commitment to community partnership and health equity.

“We’re not just here to care for people when they’re sick,” said Iris Lundy, Sentara’s vice president of health, impact, and engagement. “We’re invested in our community and in helping young people explore what’s possible for their future. Experiences like this help them dream and start building pathways, together.”

Students say the experience made a lasting impression.

“I love getting to do hands-on activities… learning real-life experiences that could save lives,” said Arianna Dila, an eighth-grade student. “It’s 100% better than the classroom.”

Other students shared new or strengthened interests in areas such as surgery, labor and delivery, physical therapy, and medical imaging, while many expressed a desire to learn more.

The partnership will continue with another group of students visiting the simulation center on Friday, June 5, as both organizations work to inspire and support the next generation of healthcare professionals.