YHSC is a health career recruitment program, founded by Northwestern Connecticut AHEC, which engages high school students in training and volunteer projects that address community health care needs. Students fill a community need for volunteer service while acquiring real life health care learning experiences under the guidance of professional role models.

Milwaukee AHEC started their YHSC program in the fall of 2007 and it has since grown exponentially. This  year, 47 new students were trained for a total of 78 at three high schools and one community center. Volunteer placements include hospital and health clinic sites as well as community health outreach projects.

Since the inception of the program, students have logged over 2,000 volunteer hours. Five students have earned the Presidential Service Award by volunteering over 100 hours within 12 months. Some of their experiences included sorting donations at City on a Hill, participating in the Children's Service Society's Volunteer Respite Program helping to care for kids with special needs, and a service learning project with a CHIP intern, presenting oral hygiene to a Boys & Girls Club.

"Two years ago, when I joined YHSC, I knew I wanted to work in health care. However, I knew little about it. Since joining YHSC, I was given opportunities to explore the health care world. I was exposed to how caregivers worked as well other professionals. ...I absorbed more than what I had initially thought. I learned how to communicate effectively. I learned how to deal with different situations. I learned how to teach others what I've learned. Overall, I've learned to become a better leader in service to my community thanks to YHSC, including my coordinators."

Lisa Vang, YHSC Volunteer, Riverside University High School

"Working with students from Youth Health Service Corps has been one of the highlights of the year for the Volunteer Services office at Aurora Sinai Medical Center. These young people came to our organization very well trained and ready to begin. I believe that their on-going training through Youth Health Service Corps has helped to prepare these young people for the challenges they have faced entering and working in the business world. They have demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and interest in working in the health care field."

Francine Rau, Manger of Volunteer Services, Aurora Sinani Medical Center