A Longview doctor is donating three million dollars to secure the future of a PeaceHealth St. John program that helps local high school students explore careers in healthcare.

Dr. Richard Nau’s gift will establish the PeaceHealth St. John Mentorship Program Endowment, providing permanent funding for the program, which has operated for nearly 30 years.

The program gives students work experience, professional mentorship and financial support for higher education. Participants can receive up to $8,000 in scholarships, along with deferred income.

The program will now be able to return to a cohort of six juniors and six seniors. PeaceHealth says participants have a 99% high school graduation rate, compared with about 80% countywide.