Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, in partnership with Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) and Sarasota High School (SHS), recently hosted its largest Beyond School Walls event to date, offering local students a unique inside look at careers in healthcare.

Students from SHS’s Health Science program explored a variety of hospital departments, participated in a Stop the Bleed course led by SMH Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator Casey Howell, RN, and shared lunch with their mentors.

This year’s program welcomed the largest group of students since its launch, underscoring the impact of strong community partnerships between SMH, SHS, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

“Beyond School Walls is a powerful way to inspire and prepare students for their futures,” said Teresa Taft, Dir of Community Engagement for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. “By combining hands-on exposure with mentorship, we help students build confidence and chart their next steps in education and career planning.”

“We are deeply grateful to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for their incredible partnership in our Beyond School Walls program,” said Kamala Martinez, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. “Together, we are opening doors of opportunity, inspiring career pathways, and showing young people what is possible when a community invests in their future. This collaboration truly reflects the power of mentorship and the commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast remains dedicated to empowering youth through mentorship and career-focused opportunities. By connecting mentees with mentors in real-world settings, the organization continues to help students unlock their full potential.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast

For over 56 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships with adult volunteers who defend their potential and help them achieve their biggest possible futures. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. This past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has served over 1,600 youth across a 10-county footprint. Learn how to get involved at www.bbbssun.org.