New Governor’s Health Sciences Academy at T.C. Williams Guarantees Students College Credits and Careers

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam joined 100 students at T.C. Williams High School on Friday to celebrate the launch of the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy — the first public-private partnership of its kind in Virginia.

The Academy, which was endorsed as a Governor’s Health Sciences Academy by the Commonwealth of Virginia through the Virginia Department of Education this summer, enables students to earn up to 18 college credits from The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences before they graduate. The program is aligned with workforce needs in the health care industry in Virginia and 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. This is a win for everyone as we work to ensure our students get an education that prepares them for success,” said Governor Northam.

The first cohort of 100 students can choose from seven in-demand career pathways: biomedical informatics, emergency medical services, medical laboratory sciences, nursing, pharmacy, sports medicine and surgical technology.

Following graduation, students can move 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.

“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 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.

According to the Virginia Labor Market Information projections, health care practitioners and technical occupations will increase by more than 18 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.

“Through this program, our students will be equipped with the necessary background education and training to address these workforce needs. 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 important and first-of-its-kind public-private partnership, we are beginning the process of tackling a health care workforce challenge,” said GW President Thomas LeBlanc.