Urban Wellness Advocate Program
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From Student to Health Professional: Transform Your Future
Empowering Oakland youth to build real health skills, earn income, and create impact in their own communities — no experience required.
Program Overview
Who This Is For
Oakland youth ages 16–24 who want to:
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Earn money ($2,000 paid internship)
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Learn valuable health and wellness skills
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Support and uplift their community
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Build a real pathway into healthcare careers
No Experience Required.
What You’ll Learn
Health Skills
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Biometric screening
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Nutrition education
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Health coaching
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Data collection
Community Advocacy
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Cultural competency
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Motivational interviewing
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Community organizing
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Resource navigation
Career Readiness
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Resume building
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Interview skills
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Network building
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Career pathway exploration
Program Structure
April – June: Online Learning (8 Modules)
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Self-paced interactive curriculum
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Professional training workbooks
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Weekly virtual check-ins
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“Practice on yourself first” approach
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June – July: In-Person Intensive (4 Saturdays)
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Hands-on skills labs
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Role-play and real-world scenarios
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Guest speakers: nurses, community leaders, health coaches
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Field trips to partner organizations
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July – August: Paid Internship (12 Weeks)
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20 hours/week
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$2,000 stipend (paid bi-weekly)
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Work directly on the Mobile Wellness Unit
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Real community health impact
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September: Certification & Graduation
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Professional credential
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Career pathway support
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Job placement assistance
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College and training-program guidance
Student Testimonial
“This program changed my life. I came in thinking I was just getting a summer job, but I discovered I want to be a nurse. Now I’m applying to Peralta’s nursing program, and I know I can do it because of what I learned here. Plus, my own health improved — I lost 15 pounds and now my family asks me for health advice!”
— Jasmine, 17, East Oakland
2026 Inaugural Cohort
Application Information
Who Can Apply
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Ages 16–24
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Live in Oakland
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Interested in health, wellness, or helping the community
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No experience needed
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Bilingual applicants encouraged (not required)
How to Apply
Application Deadline
March 15, 2026
Questions?
Email: advocates@handsforlifelm.org