The Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare (BACH) is introducing a new program this summer to help Baltimore public high school students enrolled in allied health programs focus their career goals.

"The Summer Internship Program (SIP) is part of our continuing commitment to eliminate the shortage of health care workers in Baltimore by creating a consistent pipeline of qualified candidates," says Ronald Hearn, BACH's executive director. "Getting students to plan their path to college or a health care job through hands-on training is what this initiative is all about."

The six-week, work-based learning experience will provide about 60 rising high school seniors with career advice and a paid internship in critical care in one of six local hospitals participating in the program. Students will earn a stipend of $6.55 an hour working about 30 hours a week. One day each week, students will attend a career workshop conducted by BACH.

Candidates will be required to submit an application, current GPA, teacher recommendation, attendance record and participate in an interview. They also must complete a MOED (Mayor's Office of Employment Development) summer work program application. Those who complete the program will be required to submit a journal detailing their experience.

Interested students can obtain an application from their allied health teacher/coordinator. Classes run June 23-Aug. 1.

SIP is made possible by the Aaron Straus and Lillie Straus Foundation, Baltimore Community Foundation, Baltimore City Public Schools, Mayor's Office of Employment Development, Baltimore City Community College and the following health care providers: Johns Hopkins Bay View, Johns Hopkins Hospital, MedStar Health, Mercy Medical Center, Sinai Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital.