Mastery Charter Schools and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are partnering to help students land healthcare jobs after graduation, writes Stephen Williams for WHYY.

The collaboration is part of a new $250 million initiative in Philadelphia and nine other communities.

Through it, CHOP and Mastery Charter Schools will be working to create a specialized healthcare curriculum.

Graduates of the program will earn industry credentials and certifications, which can then be turned into high-demand and well-paid jobs within the partnered health system.

Those who continue to college can use the college credits and program offers.

Joel Boyd, Mastery Schools CEO, highlighted that the mission is to ensure all students have both the academic and personal skills needed to succeed after high school and pursue their dreams.

“For us, that mission isn’t accomplished on graduation day but afterwards, when each student is on a…path to a family-sustaining wage career,” said Boyd.

The partnership with CHOP is dignified by the two institution’s similar missions.

“We are both deeply committed to building healthy futures for all children – regardless of age, background or socioeconomic status,” said CEO and President, Madeline Bell.

With about 2 million healthcare jobs going unfilled each year, this partnership could go a long way toward closing that gap.

Read more about how the Mastery Schools and CHOP partnering can make a difference in the healthcare industry in WHYY.

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