With a significant grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation, the School District of Manatee County is set to enhance healthcare career opportunities for high school students at Parrish Community High School.
This program is part of a statewide initiative called “Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida” preparing students for in-demand healthcare roles through enhanced healthcare academy offerings.
A special ceremony to commemorate the donation was held in the Med Skills Lab at Parrish Community High on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
"The support from the HCA Healthcare Foundation is crucial as we strive to address the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals," said Dr. Paul Gansemer, Executive Director, Career & Technical Education. "This initiative will not only prepare students for successful careers but also inspire them to serve their communities."
The Manatee Education Foundation is a recipient of the “Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida” $60,000 grant, funded by the HCA Healthcare Foundation and facilitated by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.
The foundation will receive $20,000 a year over the next three years to focus on activities that lead to nursing or allied health tracks and include work-based learning, healthcare career exploration activities, and industry certifications.
“The HCA grant will have a significant impact at Parrish Community High School for students interested in the healthcare field,” said Mary Glass, President of the Manatee Education Foundation.
For more information about the Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida program, visit https://educationfoundationsfl.org/