Each year, 50 juniors and seniors at Fairfax High School learn about careers in healthcare service by actually working in the healthcare field. They gain experience in a variety of programs and departments at Cedars-Sinai and receive paychecks for the work they do. Many come from disadvantaged homes and difficult environments, but nearly all who participate earn high school diplomas and pursue higher education.

Hundreds of students have participated in the Youth Employment and Development (YED) Program over more than a decade, and about 30 to 35% of those who complete the program qualify for part- or full-time positions at the Medical Center.

Each student is paired with a Cedars-Sinai employee/mentor who provides guidance in the workplace and advice in such decisions as choosing a college. Students in the program participate in a special Health Academy class that is offered cooperatively by Cedars-Sinai and Fairfax High School. Classroom discussions and one-on-one consultations ensure that students receive frequent feedback and guidance toward success.

Through this program, coordinated by the Human Resources Department, students are encouraged to demonstrate academic competence, critical thinking skills, communication skills, personal responsibility, a commitment to the future, knowledge of diverse cultures and participation in community service.

The school and the Medical Center track rates of graduation, employment and enrollment in post-secondary education. Students, on the other hand, evaluate the program by completing surveys that are used to guide its future.