HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Health professions programming at DCLI continues to evolve, rooted in conversations with community leaders dedicated to caring for and serving others. During the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the shortage of healthcare professionals highlighted both the critical need for this workforce and the importance of civic engagement in healthcare careers. At the same time, local discussions revealed that the employees and teams within our healthcare organizations were not fully reflective of the community they served.
In response, DCLI—together with community partners—designed unique and impactful opportunities for both students and professionals. DCLI’s Health Professions programming now includes a High School Health Professions Club, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, and Phlebotomy certification. Students also gain hands-on exposure through field trips and summer internships. As one of the five social determinants of health, healthcare is not only a pathway to meaningful careers but also a powerful avenue for civic engagement—an ongoing commitment of the Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute.
Health Professions Club
The DCLI Health Professions Club's mission is to inspire and empower students to discover their passion for healthcare while building skills, confidence, and a sense of community responsibility. Participants benefit from exposure to diverse careers, workshops that strengthen communication, leadership, and teamwork, opportunities to serve through volunteer initiatives, connections with peers and professionals, and experiential learning such as simulations and hospital-based experiences that prepare them for success.
Through partnerships with Memorial Health Systems, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Crossing Healthcare, and Decatur Memorial Hospital, The DCLI Health Professions Club provides a unique opportunity for high school students to explore careers across the healthcare industry. Participants gain real-world experience, mentorship, and hands-on learning through job shadowing, internships, and volunteer opportunities.
Members of DCLI Health Professions Club are also given an opportunity to take part in a four-week Summer Health Professions Internship Program. The program, in partnership with Decatur Memorial Hospital and Workforce Investment Solutions, exposes participants to more than 35 career paths within a hospital setting. Students gain hands-on insight into areas including patient care, nursing, surgical services, emergency and critical care, laboratory and diagnostic services, pharmacy, radiology, rehabilitation, administration, human resources, safety and security, environmental services, nutrition services, maintenance, and other essential support roles. This comprehensive exposure allows participants to explore the full spectrum of hospital careers and better understand the diverse opportunities available in healthcare.
Health Professions Club and Summer Health Professions Internship Experience are open to DPS61 students, 9th-12th grade.
DCLI Residential CNA Program
In 2021, the Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute developed and launched the DCLI 6-Week Residential Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program for high school students interested in a career in healthcare. Participants between 16 and 18 years old live together in apartments on a college campus, sharing life responsibilities while preparing for the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) CNA competency exam.
The program partners with Decatur Memorial Hospital and Rotalby’s Nursing Institute to provide training and classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical training with professional development workshops in financial literacy, goal setting, and soft skills. Students also tour hospitals, hear from healthcare professionals, and take part in networking opportunities—all while gaining independence, making friendships, and building confidence.
Since its launch, the program has celebrated the success of every cohort. In Summer 2021, the Season One 7—seven young women—completed the program and passed the state exam. In 2022, the Talented 10—seven young women and three young men—also achieved a 100% pass rate at their first exam attempt. In 2023, the Fierce 14—fourteen young women—continued the tradition of excellence, with every participant earning certification at their first exam attempt. Most recently, in 2024, the Air 22 cohort expanded the program’s reach while continuing to provide highly trained CNAs to meet workforce needs, with 21 of the 22 passing the state licensure exam on the first exam attempt.
The DCLI Residential CNA Program gives high school students the opportunity to build character and leadership skills while also exploring healthcare career pathways and earn certification—all with program fees fully covered by the Institute.
The next residential CNA cohort will take place in June 2026. There are 12 slots for the next cohort. Interested students must join the DCLI Health Professions Club to be considered. Interested students can apply below or attend open interviews held in early 2026.
DCLI Non-residential cna program
The Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute (DCLI) offers an 8-week, non-residential Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed for adults ages 18 and older. The non-residential program was created to meet the growing demand for additional programming from community partners, as well as the increased demand for healthcare workers. The program also provides individuals in the non-skilled workforce with a chance to change the trajectory of their lives by earning a high-demand certification and entering a field with endless opportunities. To date, DCLI has produced another 20 certified nursing assistants over the age of 18.
Participants receive classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training to prepare for the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) CNA competency exam with fees provided by the Institute. Upon successful completion, the DCLI team continues to support participants in accessing employment at local healthcare providers. DCLI also works with those who have successfully completed the program to continue their educational journey.
DCLI Phlebotomy Program
Interested in a healthcare career that puts you on the front lines of patient care? The Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute (DCLI) partners with Midwest Technical Institute to offer a five-week Phlebotomy Program for high school graduates 18 and over interested in pursuing this in-demand field.
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood for tests, transfusions, research, or donations—an essential skill in hospitals, clinics, and labs. The program offers participants classroom instruction, hands-on training, and exposure to real-world laboratory and clinical environments. Graduates leave prepared to pursue careers as phlebotomy technicians, a growing healthcare profession with strong employment opportunities and competitive wages.
Participants must be 18 years or older and possess a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Participants must also have up-to-date immunization records, a negative TB (tuberculosis) test, and a Hepatitis B waiver or proof of the vaccination series. While a phlebotomist certification is often not required to perform the responsibilities of a phlebotomist, DCLI believes that the national certification creates a tangible outcome for participants and creates an opportunity for mobility and employment stability for those that choose to pursue the certification and pass the exam.
Certified Medical Interpreter Program
DCLI’s Certified Medical Interpreter Program arose out of need due to increased linguistic diversity, the potential for significant medical errors from miscommunication, and the legal and ethical requirements of healthcare systems to serve all patients effectively. DCLI’s Certified Medical Interpreter Program is training interpreters to provide accurate, culturally competent communication, ensuring patient safety, improving health outcomes, and fostering trust, a vital service as demand for these professionals is growing significantly faster than other occupations.
A Certified Medical Interpreter is a language professional who has passed rigorous exams and met strict standards to accurately convey medical information between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring clear communication and adherence to ethical guidelines. Certification requires candidates to complete a 40-hour training course, pass written and oral exams (depending on the chosen certification), and meet specific prerequisites for language proficiency and age.
This program is not offered at this time. If you are interested in joining a cohort that may be offered in the future, complete the form below