WASHINGTON (Oct. 9, 2018) — Today, the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D), cut a ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the launch of the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia. The Academy was designated a Governor’s Health Sciences Academy by the Commonwealth of Virginia, through the Virginia Department of Education, in June 2018.
The Academy enables students to choose from seven in-demand career pathways: biomedical informatics, emergency medical services, medical laboratory sciences, nursing, pharmacy, sports medicine, and surgical technology. Students can earn up to 18 college credits from the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, which can significantly reduce the time and money needed to graduate from college.
“This partnership builds up our health and science workforce and improves our educational opportunities, while it gives students an early opportunity to start work toward a health care career," said Gov. Northam. "This is a win for everyone as we work to ensure our students get an education that prepares them for success."
“The Academy puts our students a few steps ahead, enabling them to essentially graduate at the same credit level as college freshmen and sophomores. Our young people are talented, passionate, resilient, and hardworking and will graduate ready to make a difference in our community,” said Gregory C. Hutchings Jr., PhD, superintendent of schools at Alexandria City Public Schools.
The Academy will address a health care workforce shortage in Virginia. According to the Virginia Labor Market Information projections, health care practitioners and technical occupations will increase by 18.42 percent by 2024, while regional workforce data shows an expected 30 percent growth by 2020. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an 18 percent growth in health care careers through 2026, resulting in 2.3 million new jobs in the United States.
“It is clear that this region is a hub for innovation, problem solving, and addressing society’s most complex issues. Today, with the start of this Health Sciences Academy, we are beginning the process of tackling a health care workforce challenge,” said GW President Thomas LeBlanc.
“The partnership increases opportunities for students with a vision toward growing a diverse health care workforce, which is essential for achieving health equity in our communities. We hope that this partnership will serve as a model for future opportunities for community-led workforce development,” added Jeffrey S. Akman, MD, vice president for health affairs, Walter A. Bloedorn Professor of Administrative Medicine, and dean of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Immediately following graduation, students can attain employment into entry-level health careers; matriculate into a community college and attain an associate’s degree; transfer to the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences through a guaranteed admissions agreement with college credits toward earning a bachelor’s degree; or enter a bachelor-completion program at GW in partnership with select community colleges in Virginia and Maryland.
To learn more about the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy at T.C. Williams High School and the partnership between the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences and ACPS, visit Health Sciences Strategic Partnerships.
