Developed and run by the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, this workforce development initiative prepares Philadelphians ages 18–24 for healthcare and biomedical careers through hands-on training, mentorship and certification preparation.

Inside the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, BUILD Philly trainees beamed and cheered for one another as they celebrated becoming the first cohort to complete the program.

“Today is about recognizing everything this cohort has accomplished to reach this point,” said Marjorie Joy Katz Dean Amy J. Goldberg when addressing the graduates. “You committed yourselves to learning something new, stepped into unfamiliar environments and balanced responsibilities outside of this program while continuing to show up for yourselves and for one another. Now you’re leaving with skills, experience and training that will allow you to contribute in meaningful ways within the healthcare settings across our city.”

This workforce development initiative prepares Philadelphians ages 18–24 for healthcare and biomedical careers through hands-on instruction in clinical and laboratory settings, professional development coaching, certification preparation and direct job placement support.

All costs are covered for the program, and trainees receive stipends. The initiative also features wraparound support services including transportation assistance, mentorship and child care support. Additionally, participants receive individualized attention through tutoring, life coaching, and professional development resources ranging from interview preparation to professional headshots and workplace attire.  

“I’d be a completely different person without this program,” said participant John Brown. “It’s matured me, and so many opportunities have opened because I’ve been willing to learn and apply myself. I’m highly considering going into pre-med here at Temple. I’m glad to have been part of BUILD Philly because now I know what I want to do in the future.”

Program Director Grace Ma explained that the program’s core mission is to create pathways to education, healthcare workforce training and meaningful employment while helping individuals and communities overcome significant barriers to achieving their full potential. “A year ago, we had the idea of BUILD Philly, and looking around the room at all of you today, I see that vision has become a reality,” Ma told the graduates. “You’ve shown us what’s possible when we invest in you.”

Ma is also Laura H. Carnell Professor and chair of population health sciences, associate dean of population health research, and founding director of the Center for Asian Health. BUILD Philly runs through the center, leveraging many of the partnerships and support systems already established through Temple-led pipeline programs. 

Funding for BUILD Philly was secured through a competitive workforce development grant led by the William Penn Foundation, in partnership with Comcast, the Connelly Foundation, Future Standard, M&T Bank and the Philadelphia Foundation. The funding partnership supports programs that link quality workforce training with supportive services so that Philadelphians can connect to quality employment pathways.

In addition to technical training, the initiative features an evaluation model in which participants reflect on their experiences and identify areas where they may need additional support. They complete weekly photo reflections and scrapbook-style journals documenting their experiences and personal growth as well.

“What really drew me to BUILD Philly is the program’s genuine commitment to listening to different voices, especially voices that don’t always get centered,” said Lin Zhu, evaluation lead for BUILD Philly and a researcher in the Department of Population Health Sciences. “Elevating authentic Philadelphian experiences feels essential to meaningful evaluation.”

Trainees are recruited through community-based organizations, schools and local partners with longstanding ties to Philadelphia neighborhoods. Program manager Jade Truehart plays a significant role in recruiting and selecting the participants and has built meaningful relationships with them. “I’ve loved getting to know every one of these trainees, and I’m proud to see them grow and develop,” she said.

Throughout the first cohort’s graduation ceremony, Katz and Temple Health professionals encouraged the trainees to continue making an impact.

“As you move into this next chapter, I hope you carry forward the confidence that you belong in these spaces,” said Goldberg. “Healthcare needs people with different perspectives, lived experiences and connections to the communities around them.”

“The medical field is a special and delicate niche, especially in underserved environments, so use any opportunity to educate and inform your patients and families as much as possible,” added Indira Kwaadu, associate director of nursing services in the Temple Health system, in her keynote address. “Developing trust in the community will vastly help us improve healthcare outcomes.”

The inaugural class of 13 trainees focused on the program’s medical assistant track, but BUILD Philly plans to add a biomedical laboratory technician track in the future. This track will allow participants to gain experience across research labs at Katz and Temple’s Main Campus while also creating connections with researchers, startups, and larger biotech and pharmaceutical companies across the region.

“It’s great for us to lead by example for the next group,” said participant Tiyonna Lyles. “I hope we can be included in the second cohort’s journey to show them what we accomplished and the opportunities we’ve had after completing the program. This is a beneficial opportunity for anybody, so apply.”