Bloomberg charity invests millions in US students’ futures

The USA-based Bloomberg Philanthropies charity is investing over (USD) $250 million to create new and revamped urban high schools that provide a pathway for students into key healthcare jobs.

This innovative scheme brings together public education systems and hospitals in 10 communities across the US, including major cities like Dallas, New York and Philadelphia.

Each school, whether it has been newly established through this initiative or a revamp of an existing school, will offer students robust academic programming, specialised healthcare classes, work-based learning at the partner health system and the opportunity to earn industry-valued credentials and certifications.

‘Failed to prepare students’

The aim is that, immediately upon graduation, students can enter healthcare jobs that pay family-friendly wages within the partner healthcare system or choose to advance their healthcare career through post-secondary education. As part of this initiative, all health system partners have committed to providing job opportunities for students who successfully complete the graduation requirements of their respective programs.

It’s another example of Bloomberg’s global commitment to improving the lives of children and young people, which is characterised by its continuing funding of child friendly schemes, including education and mobility initiatives across the world.

Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg L.P, said: “For too long, our education system has failed to prepare students for good jobs in high-growth industries.

‘Enhancing prospects’

“By combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, these specialised healthcare high schools will prepare students for careers with opportunities for growth and advancement. America needs more healthcare workers, and we need a stronger, larger middle-class – and this is a way to help accomplish both goals.”

Each school will provide traditional academic programming, as well as specialised healthcare classes co-taught by health system employees using co-designed curriculum.

All students will have the opportunity to earn industry-valued credentials, certifications and college credits while in high school, enabling students to graduate with the choice of going straight into work at the partner health system and/or continuing their education – full or part-time – to enhance their preparation for an attractive healthcare career. If they choose to go directly into work, hospital partners have committed to subsidising the tuition for students’ ongoing part-time or full-time education.

Click here for full details of the scheme, including all of the locations involved.