Pasco Schools Partner with Advent Health: Pasco County is experiencing rapid population growth, bringing with it an increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. According to a 2024 state report, the healthcare sector is the county’s largest employer, with over 22,400 workers. As the population continues to expand, so too does the need for trained healthcare talent, prompting local institutions to develop innovative strategies to meet the demand. Recognizing this need, the Pasco County School District has taken a proactive approach to ensure students are well-prepared for rewarding careers in the healthcare industry.
In a groundbreaking initiative, Pasco schools have partnered with Advent Health, which operates three hospitals in the county, to create a healthcare-focused high school program set to launch in fall 2026. This public-private partnership aims to provide students with a direct pathway into healthcare careers while addressing the workforce shortages projected in West Florida. Advent Health anticipates adding 29,000 new jobs across the region by 2030, making early talent development a top priority for the organization.
The initiative has received initial funding through a $500,000 planning grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, which serves as seed money to develop a comprehensive healthcare academy model. The long-term vision includes securing a five-year, $25 million implementation grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, aligning Pasco with similar programs being supported in ten other communities nationwide. Even if full funding is delayed, district officials are committed to rolling out the program for the 2026–27 academic year, with the proposed academy slated for a new high school in Wesley Chapel.
Addressing Workforce Needs in Pasco County
Healthcare is not only the largest industry in Pasco County but also one of the fastest-growing sectors. With Advent Health projecting tens of thousands of new positions across West Florida, the need for a skilled workforce is urgent. Through this collaboration, the school district and Advent Health aim to create a robust pipeline of qualified candidates ready to step into well-paying healthcare roles immediately after high school.
Mistie Palmer, Advent Health’s workforce development programs manager, emphasized the importance of engaging young talent early. “We have identified early talent as a current opportunity. We’re not engaging with young people in a very strategic manner that leads to jobs,” Palmer said. By integrating hands-on experiences with academic learning, students will gain exposure to real-world healthcare environments while earning industry-recognized credentials.
Program Overview: Hands-On Training Meets Academic Excellence
The new healthcare-focused high school program will combine traditional academics with practical training, offering multiple entry points for students interested in various healthcare careers. From clinical experiences to career-specific certifications, the program is designed to ensure students graduate with skills directly aligned with industry needs.
Rob Aguis, Pasco’s district director of career and technical education, highlighted the boundless opportunities for students. “The opportunities really are boundless here,” Aguis stated, reflecting the district’s goal to create a program that produces job-ready graduates while supporting the county’s expanding healthcare industry.
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Collaboration with Advent Health
Advent Health’s involvement goes beyond funding. The organization is actively assisting in curriculum development, teacher recruitment, and designing programs that align with actual job requirements. With nearly $250,000 already invested in the project, Advent is committed to making students preferred applicants for local healthcare roles.
Jeffrey Armstrong, a district official with extensive experience in career-technical programs, explained the importance of this partnership. “What we have needed was a business partner that would help with identifying what the job needs are, so it would be training for jobs that are available,” Armstrong said. By leveraging Advent Health’s industry insights, the program will offer several new pathways, complementing existing certified nursing assistant programs already offered in Pasco schools.
Future Outlook: Preparing Students for Success
Pasco County’s school district anticipates unveiling a full plan for families prior to the opening of the school choice window in January. The program represents a forward-thinking approach to education, preparing students not just academically but also equipping them with practical skills that meet workforce demands. Lessons from prior programs, like the auto mechanic academy at Wesley Chapel High, demonstrate the success of industry-partnered initiatives, provided there is strong support for teachers and continuity in instruction.
As the partnership develops, it will serve as a model for integrating public education with private sector expertise, ensuring that students are not only prepared for college but are also ready to enter the workforce with confidence.
Conclusion
The partnership between Pasco schools and Advent Health represents a transformative step in workforce development for the county. By combining academic excellence with practical, hands-on training, the program ensures that students are prepared for high-demand healthcare careers.
This initiative is not only beneficial for students but also addresses the pressing need for a skilled workforce in Pasco County, where healthcare employment is projected to grow substantially in the coming decade. With strategic planning and support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the healthcare-focused high school program is poised to become a model for other regions seeking to build talent pipelines.
Community engagement and private-sector collaboration are central to the program’s success. Advent Health’s involvement provides crucial guidance on industry requirements, ensuring students gain skills that align with real-world expectations.
Ultimately, the initiative exemplifies forward-thinking education policy, bridging the gap between high school education and meaningful employment opportunities. By targeting early talent and providing structured pathways into healthcare careers, Pasco County is setting a precedent for workforce development nationwide.
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FAQs Pasco Schools Partner with Advent Health
1. What is the goal of the Pasco schools and Advent Health partnership?
The partnership aims to develop a healthcare-focused high school program that provides students with academic and hands-on training to enter the healthcare workforce directly after graduation. It seeks to address workforce shortages in Pasco County and prepare students for well-paying, high-demand careers.
2. When will the program start?
The program is planned to launch in the 2026–27 academic year, with preparatory work already underway. Officials aim to have a full plan available for families prior to the school choice window opening in January.
3. How is the program funded?
The initiative initially received a $500,000 planning grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The district and Advent Health aim to secure a five-year, $25 million implementation grant to fully develop the program. Advent Health has also invested nearly $250,000 in the project so far.
4. What kind of training will students receive?
Students will receive a blend of academic instruction and hands-on experiences in real-life healthcare settings. The program offers multiple entry points for students to explore various healthcare careers, along with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications.
5. Why is Advent Health involved in the program?
Advent Health is contributing expertise in workforce development, curriculum design, and teacher recruitment. The organization aims to ensure students are prepared for actual job roles in healthcare and become preferred applicants for employment opportunities in the region.
