Health First gives Brevard Public Schools $280,000 to expand career-readiness internships

Health First pledged $280,000 to Brevard Public Schools on Feb. 25 to continue and expand career-readiness programs that place students in hands-on internships across the health system.

The funding will support internships and CTE (career and technical education) rotations during the 2024–25 and 2025–26 school years, Health First CEO Terry Ford told the school board. "This is not just a donation, it's an investment in our students, our future, our workforce," Ford said during the presentation.

Why it matters: The grant is meant to deepen pathways from high school programs into local jobs, particularly in support roles that keep hospitals operating. Board members and district staff highlighted examples in the presentation: graduates and interns who have worked in environmental services, plant operations and project management at Health First hospitals.

Students and staff described program experiences during the board meeting. Josh Crier, a Project SEARCH intern at Palm Bay Hospital, described rotations in transport, environmental services and plant operations and said the internship helped him build interview and resume skills. Johanna Bunge, an Office of the Clerk intern in Health First's project management office, said the work prepared her for college and a potential career in accounting.

District and Health First staff also outlined program outcomes beyond internships: the district said Project SEARCH has led to at least one hire (a program alum now employed at Cape Canaveral Hospital), and Health First representatives said the partnership supports broader initiatives such as "Light Up Viera and Satellite," evening access to school fields to encourage community activity, and a farm-to-table effort connecting local agriculture with schools.

Board members praised the partnership as a way to address local workforce needs and to broaden career options for students. Mitchell Brown, identified by the district as a program coordinator, and other program staff on the presentation team described the district's placement and coaching supports that help students succeed in employer settings.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation itself; the funding announcement was presented for recognition and to highlight ongoing collaboration between the district and Health First.

Ending: Board members said they expect to continue discussions about expanding employer partners and replicating the model elsewhere in the district.