Rural and Public Health Service-Learning Program
June 3-August 1, 2025
Courier Program Orientation in Kentucky: June 3 – June 6
Courier Program Internship: June 9 – August 1
This summer, the Frontier Nursing University’s (FNU) Courier Program Public Health Internship will be a seven-week fully remote service-learning program with a rich and adventuresome history that targets college students with an interest in public health, healthcare, social work, or a related field. The Courier Program Internship offers a unique opportunity for students to gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of providing healthcare in the United States. Throughout this seven-week program, students become immersed and engaged through summer readings, group discussions, and volunteering, and their clinical observation sites will be located where the intern resides.
Meet Our 2025 Couriers
"I am from New Orleans, Louisiana. I am a junior studying Public Health and African American Studies at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO. I come from a large family, so one of my main hobbies is cooking. Some of my favorite memories are of cooking with my mom and grandmother before a big holiday gathering. I also enjoy sewing, watching/ talking about movies, and reading."
Kennedie S.
2025 Courier
"I’m from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I’m a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and I recently graduated with a degree in public health. I’ll then be going back to school to finish up my pre-med courses, a neuroscience degree, and a biology minor. Then I’m planning on going to med school. When I’m not at school you can find me reading, playing with my dog, Phoebe (Boston terrier/bulldog mix), or cheering on Wisconsin sports teams (Packers, Bucks, and the Brewers)."
Kylie D.
2025 Courier
"I'm a junior at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, and I'm from Phoenix, AZ. I'm studying Medicine and minoring in EMS, Biochemistry, and Spanish. I'm a transfer student, and I originally went to the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, where I met my husband. I currently am an EMT at my university, where we respond with Tucson Fire to 911 calls on and around campus. I enjoy gardening, mushroom foraging, and swimming."
Monica B.
2025 Courier
"I am a rising junior at Augustana College with majors in Psychology, Creative Writing, and English. I live in the suburbs of Chicago, and I love traveling, writing, volunteering, and anything pink. A fun fact about me is that I also have a dog named Jax!"
Olivia F.
2025 Courier
"I am originally from Westminster MD, but I am currently a junior at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. I am a kinesiology major with a career path in occupational therapy. A fun fact about me is that my family and I were on Family Feud. I love to read, be with my friends, and ride horses in my free time."
Olivia B.
2025 Courier
"I am from Woodbridge, Virginia. I am currently attending Virginia Tech located in Blacksburg, VA. I am a junior majoring in Public Health planning to get my masters in Dietetics. For my career, I plan to become a registered dietitian and help create culturally sensitive programs for creating a healthy lifestyle whether it's for students, families, or athletes. Additionally, I have a passion for helping minorities who are suffering from food insecurity. Some fun facts: I used to be a competitive jump roper and had the opportunity to compete at the ESPN complex in Florida. I also love cooking and doing fun physical activities."
Peniel T.
2025 Courier
"I just finished my junior year at Washington & Jefferson College which is located about 35 minutes south of Pittsburgh. I'm Pre-Med and a Bio major with minors in Chemistry and Gender and Women's Studies. I'm involved in lots of things on campus, most notably in working as a Resident Assistant and competing on the golf team. My hometown is Edwardsburg, Michigan, which is right on the Michigan-Indiana border, and I'm excited to return home for the summer to be with my younger sister and my black lab Rooney. One fun fact about me is that I am a self-proclaimed bread enthusiast and have been perfecting my bread making skills for the past six months."
MacKenzie S.
2025 Courier
"I'm a rising senior at Lincoln University majoring in Health Science with a focus on Sports Medicine. I’m originally from Philadelphia, PA, and began my college journey at Virginia State University before transferring to Lincoln after three years. Currently, I serve as an athletic training intern at Lincoln, where I’ve gained hands-on experience supporting student-athletes. My interests go beyond sports medicine—I’m passionate about all aspects of health and public health. A fun fact about me is that I’m also an urban model. I’ve been modeling for a little over three years, balancing my academic and professional goals with creative expression in the modeling world."
Zeta P.
2025 Courier
After spending three weeks reading and discussing their book assignments, students will begin their clinical observations in and around their place of residence. During their clinical observations, Couriers will shadow a variety of clinicians and provide leadership on special projects, as well as other avenues of community participation. Each student’s Courier's experiences will help them to fully comprehend the complexities public health and healthcare in the United States as well as grasp the compassionate and caring legacy established by our founder, Mary Breckinridge, which is carried on by FNU students, alumni, Couriers, and faculty.
"One thing I have loved about the experience is that it showed me the true motivation behind my wanting to become a nurse. The program reinforced my decision to pursue nursing as a career."
O. 'Echi' E.
2023 Courier
The Courier Program has a “Hearts On, Hands Off” approach to learning. Couriers learn by observing their clinic site mentors, speaking with patients, assisting with special projects on health-related topics, leading events, and other projects. Couriers may participate in any activity which does not require formal medical or healthcare training. Couriers will leave with a profound understanding and deep respect for the communities they serve during their time as a Courier.
Summer 2025 Program Dates
June 3-August 1, 2025
Learn more about the program at frontier.edu/courier. Applications for the 2025 program are due by 5 p.m. on April 11, 2025. Visit this page on our Portal to apply. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Colletti-Jones, Courier Program Director at lisa.collettijones@frontier.edu.
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Lisa Colletti-Jones
Director of Annual Giving and Courier Program
P: (859) 251-4728
lisa.collettijones@frontier.edu
"I had the pleasure of observing at the Homeplace at Midway, where I experienced networking, clinical work, and collaboration between medical professionals. These experiences at the Homeplace at Midway truly shaped what I know about healthcare and have given me fruitful experiences I can take with me to nursing school. I am very grateful for my time at Frontier and for them supporting me in my future career as a nurse."
Avery H.
2024 Courier
The Courier Program Public Health Internship aims to:
- Introduce students to the value of public health and primary healthcare services to people living in the United States;
- Support clinical and other community sites by meeting critical needs that would otherwise go unmet;
- Foster cross‐cultural skills through engagement with diverse communities and fellow students;
- Facilitate student experiences of FNU’s mission in action and encourage them to embody the Frontier legacy in their later vocations and personal lives.
"Each week, we have discussions with different practitioners and professionals who are experts in their fields. It has been amazing getting everyone's knowledge and insight and advice on how improving the healthcare system is a must."
Rebecca K.
2023 Courier
Program History
In 1928, Frontier Nursing University founder Mary Breckinridge established the Courier Program, recruiting young people to work in the Kentucky Mountains and learn about service to humanity. Couriers escorted guests safely through remote terrain, delivered medical supplies to remote outpost clinics, and helped nurse-midwives during home visits and births. Frontier has benefited tremendously from the 1,600 Couriers who have served since 1928.
Today’s FNU Courier Program Public Health Internship is a summer service-learning experience distinguished by its legacy and the adventuresome nature of its site placements. Students carry forth the Frontier mission by providing critical assistance to healthcare organizations in underserved and rural communities across the U.S.
These students are curious, adaptable, self‐motivated, and self‐structured individuals with a commitment to respect and tolerance. Courier Program participants are enrolled at various universities across the country and typically have interest in learning about public health, health care, social work or a related field.