Experiential Learning for High School Students

C.L.I.M.B. ACADEMY (Community Leaders in Medicine and Beyond)

Modeled on Horseshoe Farm’s pioneering Fellowship and Internship programs, C.L.I.M.B. Academy mentors a select group of outstanding local High School students several days per week in relationship-focused experiential learning, community health, and volunteer service activities. Across our three sites (Greensboro and Perry County, Alabama, and Pomona, California), students gain invaluable hands-on experience in healthcare and community health programs while receiving close mentorship, guidance, and teaching from our outstanding Horseshoe Farm Fellows and Internship Coordinators.

What do Students Do?

  • Work as teams and participate in two longitudinal projects that integrate ongoing relational support to seniors, vulnerable adults, or children.

  • Participate in field visits and shadowing opportunities with a range of health providers and other local community leaders.

  • Participate and volunteer in community related service projects, including with local civic, nonprofit, healthcare, and other organizations.

  • Receive small group academic support including in ACT Prep and core academic skills as well as seminars and projects that focus on professional and life skills.

What do Students Gain?

  • Develop and hone skills highly valued in health, community health, and other professional settings, including teamwork, communication, relationship building, empathy, resilience, leadership, and more.

  • Develop a civic, citizenship, and service mindset while participating in and helping lead community based projects.

  • Find purpose and agency through community involvement, volunteerism, service, and exposure to a range of healthcare, community health, and other projects.

  • Strengthen core academic skills, improve ACT performance, and develop professional and practical life skills.

  • Work towards credentials and certifications and set themselves apart for paths in health or other careers or further education.

To Inquire, Please Contact:

  • For Greensboro Site: Holly Ellis (hollyellis804@gmail.com)

  • For Perry County Site: Lindsay Baker (lindsay.baker@projecthsf.org)

  • For Pomona Site: Caleb Boyer (caleb.boyer@projecthsf.org)

Other Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students

Short Term Residential Volunteer Opportunities - Unique 1-4 week residential volunteer opportunities give an introduction to aspects of Horseshoe Farm’s nationally renowned year-long Community Health Gap Year Fellowship and Internship Programs. Residential volunteer opportunities give students an introduction to Horseshoe Farm’s relationship oriented approach to improving the health and quality of life of our vulnerable neighbors while contributing to a broader framework of community health. Students will have opportunity to:

  • Provide direct volunteer service to children, adults living with mental illness, seniors, and other vulnerable adults

  • Learn and receive mentorship from our outstanding Horseshoe Farm Fellows and Internship Coordinators.

  • Get introduction to one of our three wonderful local partner communities (In Alabama - Greensboro and Perry County, and in California - Pomona).

Non-Residential Volunteer Opportunities - Horseshoe Farm offers non-residential volunteer opportunities for students who attend high schools within driving distance of our three sites. These opportunities are also open to students who are in dual enrollment programs or in homeschool programs. Students should pick a regular volunteer time or times (for example, 1-4pm every Wednesday). During this time they will volunteer along side Fellows in Horseshoe Farm’s community health programs (volunteering in schools, community centers, nursing homes, and in some cases, with health partners). Student volunteers must make attending their weekly volunteer time(s) a priority and must make a minimum commitment of one academic term (spring, summer, fall — available in Greensboro, Perry County, and Pomona). Please see bottom of this page for contact information.

Individual/Group Visits and Alternative Spring Breaks - Horseshoe Farm welcomes day visits by individual or groups of students who want to learn more about Horseshoe Farm and our work. Please email ahead of time to arrange a visit for you or your group.

Gap Year Opportunities After High School Graduation - Please inquire (sarah.hallmark@projecthsf.org) to discuss.

To Inquire, Please Contact:

  • For Greensboro Site: Holly Ellis (hollyellis804@gmail.com)

  • For Perry County Site: Lindsay Baker (lindsay.baker@projecthsf.org)

  • For Pomona Site: Caleb Boyer (caleb.boyer@projecthsf.org)