Located on the campus of Nimitz High School, HEAL High School will integrate health care career knowledge and job-training with a high-quality, well-rounded high school experience for students in the community, preparing graduating students to transition directly into high-demand health care jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Opening in the fall of 2024, HEAL High School will be phased in across four academic years. By 2028, HEAL High School is expected to be at capacity, serving 760 students each year.
Addressing Critical Workforce Needs
Like many states nationwide, Texas continues to experience shortages in health care talent, particularly in the fields of nursing and, primary care, with a specific focus on technicians, therapists and pharmacists. Thanks to the transformational grant provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies, leaders from Memorial Hermann and Aldine ISD developed career-aligned educational pathways rich in experiential learning opportunities to enable Houston-area students to participate in the health care workforce. Informed by Memorial Hermann’s needs, Gulf Coast labor market trend data and an analysis of earnings and growth potential, the school will offer five pathways: nursing, rehabilitation, pharmacy, imaging and non-clinical administration.
An Unprecedented Partnership for an Unparalleled High School Experience
Through this historic investment by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Memorial Hermann will provide in-kind teaching support to integrate its culture, service standards and industry-leading best practices into classroom lessons, enhancing traditional high school curriculum with vocational skills in preparation for high-demand health care jobs. After completing required coursework, students will take certification exams related to their pathway and be eligible for priority employment at Memorial Hermann in positions with family-sustaining wages.
Students will also engage in immersive work-based learning at Memorial Hermann facilities. In 9th and 10th grades, students will participate in job-shadowing and professional mentoring opportunities as well as practice their skills in simulation labs. In 11th grade, students will have access to paid health care opportunities, among other work-based learning experiences. Well-rounded, co-curricular programs including, but not limited to, arts, physical education and affinity groups will also be offered.
Bloomberg Philanthropies
HEAL High School is supported by a $31 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to the Memorial Hermann Foundation. The grant is part of a first-of-its-kind $250 million initiative led by Bloomberg Philanthropies to create CTE high schools in 10 urban and rural communities across the United States, including right here in Houston. Bloomberg Philanthropies’ generous investment will support start-up costs including personnel, classroom and lab renovations, and other work-based learning requirements.
Construction supported by this grant includes state-of-the-art, hands-on learning spaces that simulate what students will encounter in real-life hospital and clinic settings, equipping them with the experience and tools they need to be successful from day one of their new careers.
Apply Now
To learn more about how to apply, visit Aldine ISD's website for detailed information.