Students in the Unity Health Academy of Health Sciences will benefit from enhanced learning opportunities throughout their four years at Jacksonville High School. Students in freshman seminar will have several opportunities for career exploration that include hearing guest speakers from local business and industry leaders, and participating in the annual career exposure event, where Unity Health, and several other central Arkansas businesses, will be participating in this hands-on event for all ninth graders.

“Unity Health is thrilled to engage in this partnership and accelerate education in healthcare for our local high school students,” Mark Amox, Unity Health President and CEO said. “We believe this venture will provide invaluable opportunities for students to grow, setting them up for future success.”

Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, students will participate in industry field trips, job shadowing, career mentoring, mock interviewing, and potential internship or externship opportunities because of this partnership with Unity Health. Nearing graduation from the Unity Health Academy of Health Sciences, scholars will have opportunities to earn concurrent credit, industry recognized credentials, and will create a capstone project co-developed by the team at Unity Health and the faculty at Jacksonville High School.

“As we continue to invest in the Jacksonville community, this opportunity allows us to encourage and educate future healthcare professionals,” Kevin Burton, Unity Health – Jacksonville Administrator said. “With these unique educational experiences, we can be certain our young people will be equipped to become outstanding associates in healthcare careers. A future in healthcare offers great benefits and job security in a purposeful and fulfilling career.”