Seated together at the intersection of education, technology, and workforce development, representatives from Strom Thurmond High School (STHS) and Self Regional Healthcare signed an innovative, long-term partnership recently that promises to join student career aspirations and community workforce needs hand in hand.
The new agreement announces Self Regional Healthcare’s commitment to take the lead as the title sponsor and community partner of Strom Thurmond High School’s Human Services and Business Academy. The new academy will now be recognized as the Self Regional Healthcare Human Services and Business Academy.
The heart of the partnership lies in the innovative career academy model, an educational approach integrating rigorous academic coursework with real-world industry exposure. The model strives to equip Strom Thurmond High School students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to graduate both college and career-ready.
“We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey that promises to enrich the educational experience of our students here at Strom Thurmond High School,” stated Strom Thurmond High School Career Academy Specialist, Nate Horton. “Working closely with Self Regional Healthcare, our students will benefit from direct access to industry professionals, cutting-edge technologies, and relevant workplace experiences.”
THE INTERSECTION OF EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Edgefield County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Kevin O’Gorman, expressed his joy and optimism to a number of STHS students who attended the partner recognition ceremony.
“I’m so excited for you, students, and you don’t even know, yet, how exciting this is as we build a pipeline for you directly to the workforce right here in the CSRA,” stated Dr. O’Gorman. “Health science is a big need in our community and what we’re trying to do is prepare our students here for what they want to do when they grow up while they’re in high school.”
A CHANGING WORKFORCE LANDSCAPE REQUIRES INNOVATION, COLLABORATION
Self Regional Healthcare Assistant Vice President, Sherri Gordon, represented the healthcare organization at the partnership signing and she feels the future is extremely bright when industry professionals, educators, and students work together for a better tomorrow.
“Healthcare is rapidly changing,” said Gordon. “We just came out of a pretty big pandemic, but we’re also facing a very aging population, and this is going to really increase the demand for healthcare professionals. Technology is also evolving, and interestingly enough, technology in healthcare actually requires more people and not less. I think the healthcare fields are wide open. Something I tell people all the time is that healthcare is not just a vocation, it’s a calling.”
“We need doctors and nurses, but we also need radiation therapists, we need perfusionists, we need nuclear medicine techs and people in surgical technology,” commented Gordon. “These fields are out there and so very often, people are not even aware they exist. What we’re hoping with this partnership is you will begin to see some of these things firsthand.”
A DIRECT IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING, COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
Strom Thurmond High School health science student, Sophie Simpkins, says the new partnership will open many doors for herself and others.
“What truly sets our program apart is our new partnership with Self Regional Healthcare,” stated Sophie. “It’s a partnership built on a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community. Our students will also have access to real-world learning opportunities, cutting-edge research facilities, and seasoned healthcare professionals.”
“Perhaps, the greatest benefit of our partnership is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our community,” Sophie added. “Together, we are not just training new healthcare professionals, but we are shaping the future of healthcare, driving positive change, and improving outcomes for patients and families across our region.”
Strom Thurmond High School health science student, Mary Grace Fallaw, says the health science program has the potential to provide an even greater positive impact in the community.
“I am filled with hope and excitement for what the future holds,” commented Mary Grace. “In our new partnership with Self Regional Healthcare, we will have the power to transform lives, elevate healthcare, and create a healthier and brighter future for all.”
