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Carroll University has received a five-year, $2,893,722 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop the National Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Academy. The HCOP Academy will create support systems and development opportunities for high school students in underrepresented populations, which will prepare them for acceptance into collegiate allied health programs. The goal is to increase the number of individuals serving in integrated health care professions in medically-underserved communities.
In partnership with the United Community Center and the School District of Waukesha, Carroll will identify, recruit and prepare high school juniors and seniors for pre-allied health programs such as physical therapy, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, exercise science, athletic training and public health. As part of the HCOP Academy, these students will receive individualized academic support, as well as personal and professional development services and training. This holistic, integrated approach mirrors the structure of Carroll University’s allied health programs. These programs prioritize the preparation of healthcare professionals familiar with patient care delivered through a collaborative team environment.
“The focus of the HCOP Academy aligns with the innovative, student-centered approach Carroll is taking with educationally and economically disadvantaged students. We are leveraging relationships and partnerships with our community to develop pipeline programs to train health care providers who will serve in medically-underserved communities,” said Jane Hopp, associate vice president for partnerships and innovation. “Our commitment to providing individualized support to first generation students and underrepresented populations in our programs is something we’re passionate about as we look to the important matter of diversification of the workforce.”
The HCOP Academy will assist Carroll in expanding its development of healthcare professionals skilled in holistic and culturally-sensitive care. It will also complement existing programs, such as PASOS and SALUD, designed to address changing demographics that include the need for more bilingual healthcare providers to serve the growing Hispanic population. The HCOP Academy aligns with Carroll’s new strategic plan initiative to diversify the campus community through programming and funding support, including the new Opportunity Scholarship Fund created by President Cindy Gnadinger in 2018.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2,811,222 with seven percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.