Bibb County School District, Navicent Health Celebrate Achievements of BEST Students

18 Students & District Star Teachers to Graduate May 11

MACON, GA (Wednesday, May 11, 2016) - Navicent Health (NH) and the Bibb County School District (District) will celebrate the achievements of a select group of students and teachers who will graduate from the first Bibb Elite Seniors and Teacher (BEST) Program cohort.

The graduation ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 11 at 5:00 p.m. at Hutchings College and Career Academy (2011 Riverside Drive, Macon), where participants will present their final projects and receive Lean Six Sigma certifications. Media are cordially invited to attend this event.

The BEST program, created through a partnership between NH and the District, connects top performing seniors and one select teacher from each district high school with NH representatives. The rigorous BEST program is designed to permit highly qualified high school seniors the opportunity to explore career options in the healthcare industry. The program also goes one step farther.

“BEST students and teachers were challenged to go beyond basic healthcare, and were given the opportunity to participate in Navicent Health's Lean/Six Sigma training classes. BEST participants received training that will be useful in any industry - they have learned how we improve processes and reduce expenses while growing revenue and managing resources,” said Dr. Steve Mayfield, Chief Optimization Officer for Atrium Health Navicent.

NH implemented Lean/Six Sigma, a highly disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating waste, improving outcomes, and delivering extraordinary service, in 2014. BEST participants were taught to examine a process and identify methods of improvement. Students performed hands-on group simulations in order to measure performance, and then used their experience to analyze and improve the quality and efficiency of the process.

“Through the program, students gained stackable credentials to prepare them for the workforce while they explored healthcare career options. Students who participate in the program are learning critical skills that they will use in both college and the workplace. Ultimately, they have earned Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, an internationally recognized certification that mid and upper-level project managers frequently obtain,” Dr. Cassandra Washington, CTAE Director for the District.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to guide these extraordinary students as they make decisions about their careers and higher education. We desire to be a valuable resource for these students, and we are pleased that the Bibb County School District has provided Atrium Health Navicent with this opportunity,” said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, President and CEO of Navicent Health.