Most young people who want to work in healthcare never actually get to see what the job is like. The ones who do usually come from families that can afford the trip.
The Next Shift Foundation covers the full cost for students who are ready to serve. Selection is based on volunteer hours, a personal essay, and how someone shows up for other people. Money doesn't decide who goes.
Scholars travel with licensed doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals into communities that need care. They help with real work under supervision and leave knowing whether this is the path they want. Families never pay anything.
Every gift goes toward getting someone on that trip. If you've been looking for a real shot, or you want to help give one, this is it.
What scholars actually do
It's not a tour. For the whole trip, scholars are part of the clinical team — observing, helping with age-appropriate tasks, and seeing firsthand what patient care asks of the people who give it.
Every moment happens under the direct supervision of licensed medical professionals. Scholars never diagnose, treat, or work on their own.
From application to airport in four steps.
Every scholarship follows the same transparent process — no exceptions, no shortcuts.
Apply & get selected
Students submit an application with a personal essay on why they want to go and help, documented volunteer service hours, and (for currently-enrolled students) a 3.25+ GPA. Our review panel — parents, healthcare professionals, and program staff — evaluates every applicant; strong candidates may also be invited to a short interview. Selected scholars move to orientation. Qualified applicants who aren't selected for the current cohort may be considered for future opportunities.
Orientation & pre-departure training
Selected scholars and their families complete safety, cultural, and clinical-shadowing orientation together before departure.
Serve alongside a medical team
Scholars travel as a group with adult chaperones and spend each clinic day supporting the medical team on site.
Homecoming & giving back
Scholars return to share their story at schools, churches, and fundraising events — becoming our next generation of advocates.
A track built for healthcare families
If you're a doctor, nurse, PA, EMT, or any healthcare professional, The Next Shift wants to send your child, too. We award dedicated spots each cohort to the sons and daughters of the professionals who make this work possible.
- Same bar as everyone else — no shortcuts
- A separate, small pool so healthcare families aren't competing against the students they already inspire
- A chance for your child to see up close the work you already do
Real communities, real clinical need — never a vacation.
Each placement is chosen for genuine, documented healthcare need and paired with vetted, licensed medical teams already working in that community.
First placements will be with licensed teams in communities we're vetting now across Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.
Explore Our DestinationsEvery scholarship is community-funded, one relationship at a time.
We don't rely on one big check. The Next Shift raises money the way a community actually gives — together.
Community sporting events
Fun runs, tournaments, and charity games where entry fees, concessions, and event-day sponsorships fund scholarships directly. Businesses can advertise to a captive, family-filled crowd — and every dollar has a face behind it.
Business & organization partnerships
Local businesses, clinics, and civic groups sponsor scholars, host booths at events, or co-brand a fundraiser.
Parent volunteer network
Parents who want a big impact on their community organize events, sit on review panels, and chaperone trips.
“I started The Next Shift because I believe the fastest way to build the next generation of healthcare professionals is to put them in the room where care actually happens — beside the people doing it, with the families who need it most.”
Michael Fernandez, Founder — Rocklin, California
Ready to send someone toward their calling?
Gifts go to scholarships first. We'll publish a simple breakdown as soon as trips run.