Learning Through Service: SEAHEC’s Collaboration with Pima JTED Community Health and Wellness Program

This year, SEAHEC’s collaboration with Pima JTED (Joint Technical Education District) gave students in its Community Health and Wellness program meaningful opportunities to take their learning beyond the classroom. Through a summer internship with SEAHEC and our community partners, students gained firsthand experience in health education, outreach, and community engagement. 

Five students participated in the internship and completed all required community hours and have now completed their Volunteer Community Health Worker Certification. This accomplishment reflects their commitment to learning, serving others, and preparing for future opportunities in community health. 

Throughout the summer, students worked alongside SEAHEC staff to develop presentations, support youth programs, create educational videos, and connect families with information and resources. At the John Valenzuela Youth Center and Boys & Girls Clubs, they helped lead activities about mental health, stress management, tobacco and vaping prevention, and nutrition. Games, discussions and hands-on activities helped make these topics engaging and accessible for children and teens. 

Returning regularly allowed students to build trust with the young people they served. Helping with meals, organizing activities, and spending time with children showed them how everyday interactions contribute to meaningful relationships. 

For student Annel Perez, working with children became one of the most rewarding parts of the internship. The experience renewed her interest in education and reinforced her desire to work directly with people and support her community. 

“I want to be someone who makes people feel heard, supported, and valued,” Annel shared. 

Students also supported community outreach and back-to-school events, distributing school supplies and sharing health information with families. These activities strengthened their communication skills and helped them understand the importance of meeting people where they are. 

Creativity played an important role in their work. Students helped develop a video about mental health in rural communities and supported Summer Youth Institute participants with their Digital Stories. These projects gave students opportunities to apply classroom skills while helping others share personal experiences and meaningful health messages. 

In another reflection, a student described how concepts learned during the school year at JTED became practical skills through the internship. Planning presentations, working as a team, and building relationships helped the student grow more confident. 

“I spent a lot of July realizing that I was capable of helping people and doing a good job at it,” the student shared. 

Experiences with the Calabasas Alliance also expanded students’ understanding of how environmental conditions influence community well-being. Throughout the summer, they learned that community health involves listening, understanding people’s circumstances, building trust, and showing up consistently. 

We sincerely thank the UA Prevention Mobile Health Unit, John Valenzuela Youth Center, Nogales Boys & Girls Club, Hesperian International, Calabasas Alliance, and Mariposa Community Health Center for providing students with meaningful learning opportunities. 

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Their willingness to welcome and mentor students helped connect classroom education with the everyday work of serving communities. 

We also thank the SEAHEC staff who guided and encouraged students throughout the summer. Their support helped students feel valued as team members while taking on new responsibilities. 

SEAHEC is proud of these students and their accomplishments. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Pima JTED and expanding opportunities for young people to explore health careers, strengthen their skills, and contribute to the communities we serve.