Pre-Apprenticeships

MIMS offers two pre-apprenticeship programs for underrepresented individuals 16-24 years old with an interest in pursuing a career as a Community Health Worker/Promotoras/Representative (CHW/P/R), Substance Use Navigator (SUN). These individuals serve as valuable liaisons between community members, the healthcare system, and social services. Both programs are partnered with the Alameda County Health Coach Apprenticeship, providing a direct linkage to free community college credit and paid on-the-job training opportunities.

“The main thing that I learned during the program is the importance of having an open perspective in regard to the people that we work with and to make sure that every time you interact with those within the community to do so with a strong mind and an open heart willing to listen and to not judge.”
— 2024 MADE Program Alum

2025 Program Dates

Application Dates: Rolling

MADE Program Dates: January 27-April 18 | April 28-July 18 | July 28-October 10 | October 20-July 9, 2026

Summer Program Dates: TBD

MADE

Mentorship Advances Discovery and Education (MADE) is a 12-week program designed to provide an introduction to harm reduction strategies and community and clinical-based health professions supporting populations experiencing Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

Program Benefits

  • Opportunity to Shadow Substance Use Navigators (SUNS) and other healthcare workers in clinical and community settings

  • Learn about a variety of careers in health through panels, workshops, and networking opportunities

  • Learn about harm reduction and other public health strategies and initiatives

  • Receive valuable mentorship

  • Project-based learning opportunities

  • At least 40 hours of pre-employment skills training such as resume building, effective networking and interviewing, and financial literacy

  • Priority consideration for the Alameda County Health Coach Apprenticeship

  • 5 health certifications including CPR/AED, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and Bloodborne Pathogens

  • Group life coaching and the opportunity to receive individual coaching and support

  • Monthly stipend and transportation support

Summer

The 4-week Summer Pre-Apprenticeship program exposes participants to a variety of health careers with an emphasis on Community Health Worker/Promotoras/Representative (CHW/P/R) and other similar roles

Program Benefits

  • Opportunity to Shadow Substance Use Navigators (SUNS) and other healthcare workers in clinical and community settings

  • Learn about a variety of careers in health through panels, workshops, and networking opportunities

  • Learn about harm reduction and other public health strategies and initiatives

  • Receive valuable mentorship

  • Project-based learning opportunities

  • At least 40 hours of pre-employment skills training such as resume building, effective networking and interviewing, and financial literacy

  • Priority consideration for the Alameda County Health Coach Apprenticeship

  • 5 health certifications including CPR/AED, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and Bloodborne Pathogens

  • Group life coaching and the opportunity to receive individual coaching and support

  • Monthly stipend and transportation support

Eligibility 

  • Be 16-24 years old

  • Be from a population/group that is underrepresented in the health professions

  • Have an interest in pursuing a career in health with priority going to individuals looking to participate in the Alameda County Health Coach Apprenticeship upon completion of the pre-apprenticeship

  • Be available to participate 15-20 hours per week during the 12-week program

  • Must qualify for at least one of the following:

    • Current/Former Foster Youth

    • Pell-eligible

    • WIOA adult or youth eligible

    • Attending, or a graduate of, a Title 1 High School

    • Living in a high-poverty census tract

    • Formerly incarcerated

    • A youth Parent

    • Currently living with a disability