Monroe, Ga. (September 17, 2026) – Piedmont Walton recently presented a sponsorship check to the Walton County School District in support of its Healthcare Pathways Internship Program, which gives local high school students opportunities to gain real-world healthcare experience while earning class credit.

“Piedmont Walton’s student programs offer experiences that allow students to gain a better understanding of what a career in healthcare can look like,” said Jamilla Fontenot, clinical education coordinator for Piedmont Walton. “Through our different programs, students get to see the day-to-day of healthcare professionals working in a variety of roles and learn how they can impact patient care.”

The sponsorship helps cover the cost of ACEMAPP, a platform required for student interns participating at Piedmont Walton. Students use the platform to complete and submit required documentation, training, immunization records, background checks and other compliance requirements before beginning their clinical experiences. By covering the cost, the sponsorship helps ensure that the expense does not become a barrier to participation.

During the high school internship program, students rotate through 12 departments at Piedmont Walton and are introduced to healthcare professionals and career opportunities available in their community. The hospital traditionally hosts 10 students per semester, or approximately 20 students each year. This year, Piedmont Walton expanded the program by 40% and welcomed Monroe Area High School as a third participating school.

Piedmont Walton also hosts an annual Healthcare Day Camp to introduce students to the many rewarding possibilities within healthcare. The hospital’s third annual camp welcomed a record 23 students this year, with still more students expressing interest in participating.

In response to the program’s growing popularity, Piedmont Walton plans to offer two Healthcare Day Camp sessions next year, with opportunities in June and July.

“When students have opportunities to experience healthcare environments and learn about the wide range of careers available, they can begin to see a future for themselves the field," Fontenot said. "Piedmont Walton's programs help us strengthen the interest in healthcare careers and the local healthcare provider pipeline while also investing in the communities we serve.”

The Healthcare Pathways Internship Program allows students to explore potential careers, develop professional skills and gain a better understanding of the education and training required for different healthcare roles. The partnership also supports the long-term health of the community by encouraging local students to consider careers that could help meet future workforce needs and improve access to care.

The partnership also supports Piedmont Walton’s Community Health Needs Assessment workplan and its goal of improving access to care by helping establish a pipeline of future healthcare professionals in the community.