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WINTON – Thanks to a partnership with ECU Health, a new opportunity awaits students enrolled in Hertford County Public Schools (HCPS) who wish to gain future employment in a wide assortment of healthcare related jobs.

At the most recent regularly scheduled meeting of the Hertford County Board of Education, they unanimously approved the establishment of the Health Sciences Academy (HSA) within HCPS.

“This is a partnership between ECU Health and Hertford County Schools to find a way to ‘home grow’ the future healthcare workforce in eastern North Carolina,” explained Lisa Lassiter, a representative from ECU Health who presented the information to the local school board at their meeting on Feb. 24.

The program, which is funded entirely by ECU Health, is run through a coordinator who mentors students and plans activities for them to learn more about healthcare jobs. Other than the specialized coursework, the program offers hands-on clinical experiences, job shadowing, and internship opportunities. These components are designed to provide a robust foundation for students, enabling them to enter the healthcare workforce immediately upon graduation or pursue further education in health-related fields.

Lassiter noted that the program doesn’t take away from instructional time during the school day. Most of the activities would take place after school or on the weekends.

The program will be open for eighth grade students, but Lassiter said there is also an opportunity for ninth and tenth graders to sign up at the beginning of the school year.

Upon completion of the program, students will have a badge on their diploma at graduation denoting they are a

member of the Health Sciences Academy.

Lassiter, whose focus with ECU Health is in workforce development, explained that there are more healthcare jobs available than just doctors and nurses, and the program helps students explore all the possibilities available.

“We need healthcare professionals,” she said. “Talent grown locally tends to stay locally.”

School Board member David Shields expressed his enthusiasm for the program, highlighting the significant opportunities it will provide for students. He emphasized the Board’s commitment to enhancing educational offerings that align with regional workforce needs.

“A hospital is like a small city, and there are so many more job opportunities there than just doctors and nurses. It also gives students an opportunity to pursue a career closer to home,” said Shields.

“The possibilities are endless,” said School Board member Wendell Hall, adding his support to the program.

Board member Sheila Porter said the HSA will bring more awareness to different healthcare careers that students may want to pursue.

“We have so many students that are gifted in different areas,” she explained.

“It’s opening a door for somebody,” agreed School Board member Dennis Deloatch.

This isn’t ECU Health’s first Health Science Academy. They started one in Pitt County Schools 20 years ago, which now has over 900 student participants. Duplin County Schools also has one with approximately 200 students.