At Inova, we are committed to building a culture of inclusion and workplace that that inspires a sense of belonging in every team member.
Inova's Dream B!G Program is a health equity-based workforce development initiative, committed to increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the healthcare workforce. By offering opportunities for youth and adults to explore healthcare career paths, Dream B!G hopes to inspire individuals to pursue healthcare careers and promote a more inclusive workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we have the privilege to serve.
Inova partners with local Title I schools and youth organizations and youth-focused community stakeholders to provide in-person learning experiences for middle and high school students. Dream B!G provides engagement in the community and also hosts Dream B!G Days at Inova hospitals. Students will:
In partnership with community-based workforce development programs, Dream B!G offers a four-week career development course focused on the Inova workplace and culture, resume workshop and interview practice resulting in on-the-spot interviews and hiring. This program creates intentional pathways into varying Inova careers – creating equity opportunities and a workforce that mirrors the communities we have the privilege to serve.
In partnership with Edu-Futuro and Fairfax County Health Department’s Stronger2, the Health Ambassador Training Program helps guide students into careers as community health workers and similarly skilled jobs.
Fairfax County high school students can become health ambassadors and gain first-hand healthcare experience by completing practicum field hours with Inova Cares Clinic for Families, Neighborhood Health, HealthWorks and the Fairfax County Health Department. Upon program completion, students will receive a certificate from Morehouse School of Medicine, a Chromebook, $500 and medical equipment to help them fulfill a healthcare career.
The Dream B!G mentorship program is designed for middle school and high school students in Title I schools across Northern Virginia to gain one-on-one insight and experience in healthcare careers. Inova team members will lead mentoring pods for students to explore a variety of healthcare careers and roles including physicians, nurses, clinical support roles, pharmacy and more.
To partner, learn more and get involved with the Inova Dream B!G Program, please email dreambig@inova.org.