What is the Courier Program?
A service learning internship distinguished by its legacy and the adventuresome nature of our site placements. Sites include rural health clinics and birth centers in Appalachia - as well as outpost locations across the country. Eight week internships last from June to August each year.
What is the legacy of the Courier Program?
In 1928, Mary Breckinridge, founder of Frontier Nursing University established the Courier Program, recruting young people to come work in the Kentucky Mountains and learn about service to humanity. Couriers escorted guests safely through remote terrain, delivered medical supplies to remote outpost clinics, and helped nurse-midwives during home visits and births. Frontier has benefited tremendously from the 1500 Couriers who have served since 1928.
Who can participate?
Applicants should be interested in public health, healthcare, social work or a related field, share a commitment to Frontier's mission of serving the rural and underserved and be ready for an adventure! We prefer that applicants be at least 20 years of age and have completed two years of higher education.
What will I do as a courier?
Responsibilities will vary by site. At all of the sites, you will:
- Assess your community, paying particular attention to health equity issues.
- Shadow clinicians in their work with patients.
- Perform volunteer duties to meet critical clinical needs.
- Engage directly with the community through secondary projects(s).
- An adventure!
- Insight into the healthcare sector and the challenges and opportunities of public health work in underserved communities.
- Vocational mentorship from FNU alumni.
- Personal growth including responsibility, accountability, and working in a team.
- Experience working with diverse populations.
- Reputable internship experience for resume building.
www.frontier.edu/courier OR courier.program@frontier.edu
