MIKE Program

MIKE delivers mentored health education for high school students to address the increasing impact of adverse health outcomes and health disparities. Our work is often focused in communities of color, lower-income areas, and in rural populations.

At MIKE, it all begins by connecting high school students with near-age mentors, who serve as role models, guides and influencers. MIKE recruits, trains and places high-caliber volunteer mentors with the students in their school health classes once a week for an entire academic semester. We strive to match mentors who reflect the cultures and experiential backgrounds of the students.

Most MIKE mentors are pursuing and/or working in healthcare professions, so they are more able to introduce and provide insight into a variety of career options. MIKE's cutting-edge curriculum focuses on an expanded portfolio of health topics, including nutrition, mental health, physical activity, chronic disease prevention, social justice, access to healthcare and healthy foods and the impact of COVID-19 on their lives and the community. MIKE also incorporates current public health issues into the programming, providing students with opportunities to voice their thoughts, ideas and concerns.

Primary Benefits of MIKE's programming include:

• Health education
• Introducing youth to a variety healthcare career options
• Providing important social connections through meaningful mentor relationships