The Learning Link Career Observation Program is sponsored by Memorial Health System in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The program is managed by the Volunteer Services Department and coordinated by the Youth Programs Coordinator. It is a competitive program where 30 students are selected each semester from the regional high schools to participate.

The program originated in 1999 and consists of high school seniors in the Pikes Peak area interested in pursuing studies and careers in the health and sciences field. The program is designed to offer high school seniors an opportunity to observe and learn within an actual hospital setting.


Senior students who are selected to be part of this program learn in various areas of the hospital during their school day, participating areas are listed in the application. Each Learning Link student must be at the hospital for two, two-hour shifts per week (unless otherwise noted). These shifts must be done during normal school hours. Hours of participation are determined in cooperation with the hospital, student and counselor. Shifts at the hospital are considered part of the student's school day and are addressed as such. The commitment for this program is one semester which is 12 weeks.

Student requirements:

• Applications (available through your school counselor) with the required recommendations must be submitted by the deadline. If your school counselor does not have a current application or list of deadlines, please have them contact the Youth Programs Coordinator. Students meeting the criteria for the program will be selected to interview. Upon acceptance into the program, the student must attend a mandatory orientation. 
• Students must have a GPA minimum of a 3.0 and no disciplinary actions recorded and be a high school senior. 
• Students should have a genuine interest in pursuing a medical career. 
• Dependent upon the school district involved, students may receive a full high school credit and a letter grade.

The Learning Link Career Observation Program is a unique opportunity for area high school seniors! For additional information, contact our Youth Programs Coordinator, Leigh Frasier, at 719-365-5372 or your high school guidance/career counselor..