We send students and parents abroad to work beside doctors and nurses — and come home changed.
The Next Shift funds international medical relief trips for students of every age, chosen through a competitive application and selection process — not just a single interview. Parents are welcome too: apply for your own scholarship, or travel alongside your selected scholar. No one pays a dime — every trip is funded by donors, sponsors, and volunteers like you.
Why we exist
Most students never get closer to medicine than a poster in a classroom. The Next Shift puts them — and their parents — in the room instead, beside a real doctor, treating a real patient, in a community that needs care. That single week can turn a vague interest into a lifelong calling.
Every scholar works under the direct supervision of licensed medical professionals at every moment. Students observe, assist with age-appropriate tasks, and support the clinical team — they never diagnose, treat, or work unsupervised.
From application to airport in four steps.
Every scholarship follows the same transparent process — no exceptions, no shortcuts.
Apply & get selected
Students of every age — and parents applying for their own scholarship, too — 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; every other qualified applicant is placed on a waiting list and offered the next open spot.
Orientation & pre-departure training
Selected scholars and their families complete safety, cultural, and clinical-shadowing orientation together before departure. Applicants who aren't selected right away stay on our waiting list and are offered the next open spot.
Serve alongside a medical team
Scholars travel with licensed doctors, nurses, and adult chaperones to support clinics serving vulnerable communities abroad.
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 — at any age. We award dedicated spots each cohort to the sons and daughters of the professionals who make this work possible.
- Open to children of doctors, nurses, and allied health staff
- Same selection process, dedicated award pool
- A chance to serve alongside your own family
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.
From highland Andean villages to East African savanna clinics to Himalayan foothill communities — every destination is chosen alongside the local clinics and licensed medical teams already serving there.
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
Ready to send someone toward their calling?
Whether you give $10 or sponsor an entire trip, every dollar funds a scholarship — not overhead.