HOUSTON, Aug. 12,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Students in the inaugural class
of the Health Education and Leadership (HEAL) High
School start school today, marking the first step in their
journey to rewarding careers in health care.
HEAL High School is a partnership between Memorial Hermann
Health System and Aldine Independent School District (ISD), which
is supported by a $31 million initial
gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies to Memorial Hermann Foundation.
The gift is one of just 10 nationwide that was given earlier this
year to bridge the health care and education systems and provide a
meaningful educational pathway to prepare students for health care
jobs with family-sustaining wages after graduation from a specially
designed, career-technical education (CTE) high school.
"We are excited to open our doors today and officially welcome
the first class of HEAL High School," said Dr. David L. Callender, President and CEO of
Memorial Hermann Health System. "Through our partnership with
Aldine ISD, students in our region will receive a first-class,
hands-on educational experience in health care that will help them
secure meaningful, well-paying employment following graduation.
This first-of-its-kind initiative is also helping address the gap
in critical health care talent needs that exist today for nurses,
technicians and more."
HEAL High School's curriculum combines academic rigor with
firsthand learning to integrate health care career knowledge with
job training. In ninth and 10th grades, students will participate
in job-shadowing and practice their skills in simulation labs.
Starting in the 11th grade, students will have access to paid
health care internships, professional mentoring and other
work-based learning experiences. Well-rounded, co-curricular
programs including arts, physical education, and affinity group
activities will also be offered to students. The curriculum is
enhanced with off-campus and extracurricular experiences such as
Memorial Hermann's Summer Infusion Program, which includes tours of
hospital facilities and Memorial Hermann Life
Flight® operations along with first aid
training.
"This is an incredibly special day for the Aldine ISD community
as we launch the HEAL program at Nimitz High School," said Dr.
LaTonya M. Goffney, Superintendent
of Aldine ISD. "Our mission as a district is to provide a rigorous
and enriching educational experience that prepares every student
for success in college, career, and life. This partnership with
Memorial Hermann, made possible by Bloomberg Philanthropies,
represents a powerful bridge between health and education systems,
inspiring young people to pursue careers they might otherwise not
have considered. Through this initiative, we are equipping our
students with the real-world skills and foundational knowledge
needed to turn that inspiration into reality, ensuring they thrive
in their academic and career pursuits. I am excited to partner with
Memorial Hermann and demonstrate what is possible in a visionary
partnership."
Students choose from five career pathways: nursing, physical and
occupational rehabilitation, medical imaging, pharmacy, or
non-clinical medical administration. Each pathway provides a
high-quality, well-rounded high school experience for students in
the community, preparing graduates to transition directly into
high-demand health care jobs.
Media Contact:
media.relations@memorialhermann.org
Media Hotline – 713-984-6804
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SOURCE Memorial Hermann Health System