Healthcare system Memorial Hermann and the Aldine, Texas, independent school district (ISD) partnered to open a healthcare career–focused high school. The inaugural class of the Health Education and Leadership (HEAL) High School started in August. 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 healthcare jobs.
The curriculum combines academic rigor with firsthand learning to integrate healthcare career knowledge with job training. In ninth and tenth 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 healthcare internships, professional mentoring, and other work-based learning experiences.
The partnership is supported by a $31 million initial gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies to the Memorial Hermann Foundation. The gift is one of ten nationwide that was given earlier this year to bridge the healthcare and education systems and provide a meaningful educational pathway to prepare students for healthcare jobs with family-sustaining wages after graduation from a specially designed, career-technical education high school.
“We are excited to open our doors today and officially welcome the first class of HEAL High School,” said David L. Callender, MD, 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 healthcare 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 healthcare talent needs that exist today for nurses, technicians, and more.”
Well-rounded, cocurricular 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 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,” said LaTonya M. Goffney, EdD, Aldine ISD superintendent. “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.”
