MIKE provides delivers mentored health education programming that aligns with the Oregon Department of Education Health Standards and other state and national health guidelines. Programming is focused on engaging underserved youth in priority populations with hands-on activities, discussions and other explorations. MIKE structures content to be shared in small groups, guided by near-age mentors, many of which are pursuing or in the early stages of careers in healthcare. MIKE’s curriculum includes modules in nutrition, physical fitness, mental health, basic human health and disease prevention, analyzing information and other determinants of health.

MIKE coordinates with healthcare professionals in our service areas to bring individuals to the students. MIKE presents information on a large variety of healthcare career opportunities, paths to achieve goals at all stages of career development, and guidance in the personal and professional journeys of those in early and mid-career stages. Students gain insight into the challenges and options that are available in their area, to help them make informed decisions about their future. These partnerships help early professionals increase their public-facing skills, while the students learn how to expand their social and health literacy skills with others.

MIKE develops specialized health programming for youth, families and community members, to include summer camps, nutrition-focused workshops and physical fitness projects. MIKE has hosted summer camps in Sweet Home, which combined hands-on health skills activities and healthcare career exploration at the local medical clinic. In Portland, MIKE has developed customized programming for summer school students at Rosemary Anderson High School that focused on mental health, vital signs, nutrition and physical fitness.