Preparing Boston High School Students for Hospital Jobs: My MBA Career

Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Bloomberg Philanthropies Paves the Way for College-Education Partnership Success

In a groundbreaking move to address the declining value of a college education in relation to its ever-increasing cost, Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced the launch of partnerships between schools and hospitals in multiple cities. Spearheaded by Michael R. Bloomberg’s foundation, these partnerships aim to bridge the gap between education and practical skill development, ensuring students are better equipped to enter the workforce.

The initiative will see similar partnerships established in various cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Nashville, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, Durham, and rural areas in Tennessee and Alabama. The first project to benefit from the funding is the Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers in Boston. This school will witness its enrollment numbers double from 400 to 800 students, offering five health care career tracks instead of the current two.

To realize this ambitious expansion, the academy will collaborate with Mass General Brigham to develop a new curriculum. Students at the academy will have the opportunity to specialize in their chosen health care career track by the end of the 10th grade. Furthermore, juniors and seniors will be granted hands-on training experience within hospital labs, emergency departments, and other healthcare settings, providing an invaluable experience that combines classroom learning with real-life application.

The Kennedy Academy, founded in 1995, has demonstrated the increasing interest in vocational training across both the state and the country with a waiting list of 400 students. This surge in demand for vocational education has been corroborated by a 2019 Massachusetts state report, showing a 33% increase in student interest over the past five years. However, despite this rise, vocational schools in industries like healthcare still fall short of meeting the projected job needs within these sectors.

Michael R. Bloomberg recognized this gap and aims to bridge it by investing in schools to equip students with the skills needed for a successful career in healthcare. By providing access to real-world training opportunities, Bloomberg Philanthropies’ partnerships between schools and hospitals offer a practical approach to education, ensuring students are job-ready and capable of meeting the demands of the ever-evolving job market.

This initiative not only sets a precedent for other philanthropists but also highlights the importance of shifting focus towards vocational education. By addressing the decreasing value of college education relative to its cost, Bloomberg Philanthropies is opening the door for students to pursue fulfilling careers in high-demand industries, such as healthcare. With their continued efforts, it is clear that Bloomberg Philanthropies is determined to shape the future of education and equip students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields.