Propelling Adolescents Towards Careers in Healthcare
A free program empowering Charlotte-area students from underresourced communities to discover and pursue fulfilling careers in health care.
patch.unc@gmail.com
A pipeline to healthcare careers — built for Charlotte.
PATCH empowers students from low-resource communities to discover and pursue fulfilling careers in health care, thereby cultivating a workforce dedicated to optimizing health outcomes for all.
A collaboration between Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Atrium Health, PATCH has served more than 500 students since 2015.
Two pathways into healthcare
Tailored experiences for Charlotte and the surrounding region.
PATCH Program CLT
A 16-week curriculum delivered through 8 Saturday sessions at Carolinas Medical Center. For students attending Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Title I high schools.
- 10th & 11th grade students
- 8 Saturday sessions, 9 AM – 3 PM
- Hands-on clinical training
- CMS Title I high schools
PATCH Regional
A focused 4-week program serving low-resource communities across the counties surrounding Mecklenburg.
Counties served
Real medicine. Real mentors. Real impact.
Healthcare Shadowing
Step inside operating rooms, clinics, and specialty units alongside practicing clinicians.
Professional Development
Build the skills that open doors — communication, presentation, and confidence.
Clinical Skill-Building
Practice suturing, casting, vitals, and other foundational clinical techniques.
Community Health Research
Investigate the health challenges facing your community and present your findings.
Mentorship from Med Students
Build lasting relationships with current Wake Forest medical students.
College & Career Guidance
Navigate applications, scholarships, and the long road into healthcare.
If healthcare calls to you, PATCH is for you.
PATCH is designed for high-school students with curiosity, drive, and a desire to serve. There is no cost to participate.
- Currently in 10th or 11th grade
- Attending a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Title I school, OR a low-resource community in a surrounding county
- Interest in pursuing a career in health care
- Committed to attending all program sessions
"Participating in the PATCH Program gave me the opportunity to get an inside look at the clinical setting in various specialties. This program has helped me see a more comprehensive side to medicine."
Eight Saturdays that change everything
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Carolinas Medical Center
Carolinas Medical Center · 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Be part of the pipeline
Volunteer or Mentor
Medical students, residents, and physicians — share your journey with the next generation.
Get InvolvedDonate
Help keep PATCH free. Contributions through the Atrium Health Foundation directly fund scholars.
DonateLet's connect.
Questions about applying, volunteering, or partnering with PATCH? Reach out — we'd love to hear from you.
