Teenagers Taking the First Steps Toward Community Health Leadership
Imagine being a teenager and already taking the first steps toward becoming a community health worker. That’s exactly what 22 motivated high school students from Maricopa County did last week during the Show Up! Fall Intensive, designed to unlock their potential for the future workforce. This four-day intensive at Phoenix College marked the beginning of their adventure with both Show Up!, and Advance Community.
The Show Up! Program provides students with opportunities to expand their knowledge, build confidence, and gain a foundational understanding of leadership in their communities. Over the course of four days, these students connected with community leaders, explored various programs, and earned certifications designed to lay a strong foundation for their future careers.
Exploring Community Health and Global Impact
On the first day, Simonne kicked off the program with an introduction, outlining what students could expect and sharing more about Advance Community’s local impact. The students then heard from Julieta, our International Program Director, who led an engaging discussion on the differences between public health, global health, and medicine, highlighting Advance’s global reach.
To wrap up the day, the students explored Phoenix College on a guided campus tour, where they learned about the facilities and resources available to help them succeed in their educational journey.
Public Health in Action
Day two was all about diving deeper into public health efforts. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health led an insightful session on the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The students learned how CHNA identifies key health needs in the community and how CHIP provides strategic plans to address those needs.
Later, Terros Health, with over 50 years of experience in primary care and mental health services, spoke about the social determinants of health and the essential elements of a healthy community. Students were particularly inspired by a heartfelt testimonial from a Terros team member, who shared their personal experience in becoming a community health worker.
To conclude the day, students analyzed real-life case studies, presenting solutions for community health challenges—a first-hand experience in problem-solving as future health leaders.
Gaining Hands-On Experience
The third day began with a hands-on experience at Advance Community’s nutrition program. Students learned about various projects such as our cooking initiatives, garden management, and nutrition box program. By the end of the morning, every student was ready and equipped to earn their food handler’s license, gaining a practical certification to add to their growing skillset.
In the afternoon, notMykid provided a powerful session on teen mental health. The discussion focused on identifying emotions and behaviors students might observe in themselves or their peers, and how they can use available resources to support their community. ASU Career Services followed up with resume-building workshops to help students prepare for future career opportunities.
Emergency Response and Celebrating Achievements
The final day was all about emergency response. Students spent the day with AZ Mobile Training, where they earned their CPR certification and learned how to respond to emergency situations.
The program ended with a meaningful graduation celebration, where students proudly marked their achievements and reflected on their experiences. Simonne and the team honored the students’ hard work and dedication, offering words of encouragement as they continue to grow and make a positive impact in their communities.
The Adventure Continues
The end of this intensive series is truly just the beginning for these Show Up! students. Over the next few months, they will have opportunities to participate in community programs, attend special events, and receive ongoing mentorship through the Show Up! Alumni Network, guided by the ever-supportive Miss Simonne.
Reflecting on the program, Simonne shared, “This intensive was four jam-packed days of information. The next step is all about application and spreading the word. Our students are now at the first step of their advocacy journeys—and we’re incredibly excited to continue guiding them and providing resources that will ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of our communities. The one thing we cannot teach is passion—but they already have plenty of that. I can’t wait to see all the big things our students accomplish.”
As they move forward, these students are equipped not just with new skills and certifications, but with the confidence to be changemakers in their communities. Their adventure doesn’t stop here—next summer, they’ll return to complete the full program, further deepening their knowledge of health initiatives and community leadership. With their passion and commitment, we know this is just the start of something remarkable.
Together, we are building a brighter, healthier future—one student, one community at a time.
