Students Gain Hands-On Healthcare Experience Through Summer CNA Program
This summer, 29 rising seniors from across Da Vinci Schools gained hands-on healthcare experience through Da Vinci’s Summer Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Program. Representing Da Vinci Communications, Da Vinci Design, Da Vinci Science, and Da Vinci Connect schools, students developed clinical skills, explored healthcare pathways, and successfully completed the Certified Nurse Assistant training program and all required clinical hours while still in high school. Students are now in the process of completing California's licensure requirements, including the state certification exam, to become licensed Certified Nurse Assistants.
Students completed 160 hours of training over six weeks, including two weeks of classroom instruction and hands-on skill lab practice hosted at the LifeLaunch Belkin facility, three weeks of clinical site placements in the community, and a final week focused on exam preparation, skills demonstrations, and CNA credentialing requirements.
Through the program, students learned essential healthcare skills while gaining firsthand experience in professional settings. Beyond technical training, students developed workplace readiness skills—including communicating with patients, collaborating with healthcare teams, navigating professional expectations, and building confidence in real-world environments. For many students, this was their first opportunity to experience the responsibilities and routines of a professional workplace.
The program was made possible through the expertise and dedication of McKallen Medical, which provided instruction and clinical supervision tailored specifically to Da Vinci students. Sade Stephenson, Program Director, worked closely with Da Vinci to design a CNA experience that met the needs of our students, bringing creativity, flexibility, and a deep commitment to student success. CNA instructors Alvi Ventura and Valerie Jackson provided expert instruction, encouragement, and mentorship, helping students build the technical skills and confidence needed to take their next steps in healthcare.
Students also gained valuable clinical experience through placements at Marina Pointe and Brentwood Health Care Center. By learning in different healthcare environments, students developed a deeper understanding of the variety of roles, settings, and career opportunities available in the healthcare field.
Throughout their clinical rotations, students demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. Clinical partners shared positive feedback about students’ preparedness, professionalism, and ability to connect with patients—reflecting the dedication and values they brought to representing Da Vinci in the community.
"This program has taught me to believe in myself. It taught me that growth only happens when you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone. And it taught me that resilience isn’t about never feeling scared, but about deciding that your fear doesn’t make your decisions anymore," said Ahlani Hill, a rising senior at Da Vinci Connect High.
At the program's closing CNA Recognition and Pinning Ceremony held on July 29, students reflected on everything they had accomplished through a moving "Stand Up If..." activity. One by one, students stood to recognize milestones that marked their growth as future healthcare professionals: having meaningful conversations with patients, helping feed individuals who could not feed themselves, assisting with patient transfers and mobility, participating in wound care, learning from experienced healthcare professionals, and completing every hour of required coursework and clinical training. The exercise highlighted not only the technical skills students developed, but also the compassion, confidence, and professionalism they demonstrated throughout the program.
The Summer CNA Program reflects Da Vinci’s commitment to preparing students for college, career, and life by creating opportunities to explore future pathways, build in-demand skills, and earn industry-recognized credentials. Offered at no cost to students and their families thanks to grant funding, the program made high-quality healthcare career training accessible to every participant.
For Da Vinci students interested in continuing their healthcare journey after high school, LifeLaunch offers opportunities to pursue additional healthcare certifications, college coursework, and career training, creating a seamless pathway from high school to high-demand healthcare careers. Whether students continue as CNAs, advance to certifications such as medical assistant, phlebotomy, or EMT, or pursue nursing and other healthcare professions, they leave the program with valuable skills, real-world experience, and a strong foundation for what's next.
