Photo courtesy of JMCSS
The pathway to employment in healthcare has expanded for students in the Jackson-Madison County School System through a collaborative effort between JMCSS and West Tennessee Healthcare (WTHC). Nine JMCSS seniors have begun orientation and training with the regional healthcare leader in Environmental and Dietary Services through Local Options and Opportunities Program (LOOP) 2.0.
“The goal of the new partnership is to offer authentic learning experiences for students outside of the traditional classroom while preparing students for future health-related careers,” said JMCSS Director of Innovation Dr. Teresa McSweeney.
LOOP 2.0, the district-wide Health Science Innovation Institute initiative, is one of eleven JMCSS Innovation Impact Institutes funded by the Tennessee Department of Education Innovative High School Model grant. “These paid apprenticeships will last until graduation and WTHC managers will have the option to offer fulltime employment with benefits for the students at that time,” said JMCSS Chief of External Affairs Melissa Spurgeon.
Students from North Side, South Side, and Liberty Tech make up the inaugural LOOP 2.0 cohort. Expanded work-based learning opportunities with Madison County’s largest employer is another reason for families to choose JMCSS.
Our investment in career and technical education will reap huge dividends for families in Jackson-Madison County and West Tennessee. Getting our students early exposure in these demanding career fields will increase employment for our graduates and create pathways to higher paying jobs. LOOP 2.0 is definitely a win for JMCSS,” Superintendent Dr. Marlon King said.
“Our mission to provide compassionate and exceptional care is strengthened through this initiative because it allows us to get an early start in developing the next generation of healthcare employees. We’re excited about this partnership and appreciate JMCSS working with us,” WTH President/CEO James Ross said.