Trenton, New Jersey (July 1, 2026) – Henry J. Austin Health Center, Inc. (HJAHC) launches a new employment development summer program, “Henry J. Austin Career Pathways” (HJACP). This pilot initiative is designed to empower students from Trenton Central High School and affiliated charter high schools through meaningful, paid work experiences in a healthcare setting.
Running from June through August, the program provides participants with the opportunity to earn $23 per hour while gaining hands-on exposure to a variety of healthcare career pathways, which include Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Nursing.
The piloting of the HJA Career Pathways Program will initially support Trenton Central High School’s Men on a Mission. Through structured work placements, mentorship, and professional development activities, students will build essential workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, and responsibility. Participants will also engage with healthcare professionals to learn about career options, educational pathways, and the impact of community-based care.
“These opportunities will provide meaningful work experience, financial support, and exposure to career pathways that will continue to benefit these young people as they advance through college and into their professions,” said Gary J. Taylor, Founder and Director of Men on a Mission. “Men on a Mission expresses sincere gratitude to HJAHC for believing in our students, their future, and standing as an example of community leadership and service.”
One of the program participants, Bishop Gibson, is a recent graduate of Trenton Central High School who spent a day during spring break shadowing healthcare professionals at HJAHC. During his visit, he observed both a pediatrician and a pediatric nurse, gaining insight into patient care, clinical operations, and the administrative functions that support healthcare delivery.
“I am grateful for the connections I made at HJAHC,” said Gibson. “Without those connections, I would not be able to attend my dream school, Howard University.”
As Gibson prepared for college enrollment, an approaching deadline for required health forms created an unexpected challenge. After visiting a local urgent care center, he learned that insurance-related issues prevented the facility from completing the necessary documentation. As a last resort, he turned to HJAHC for assistance.
Upon arriving at the health center, staff recognized Gibson from his previous visit. After learning about this situation, the team worked quickly to ensure he received the required vaccinations and completed documentation in time to meet his enrollment deadline.
“This program reflects HJAHC’s commitment to investing in local youth, strengthening the future workforce, and creating opportunities that inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders in Trenton, New Jersey,” said Chief Executive Officer Charles L. Davis II.
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