Brandon High School Health Science Academy 

Partners: Merit Hospital, Dr. Rick Kirby, Dr. Cindy Dumas, Elite Physical Therapy, Mississippi Sports Medicine, Wisteria, Brandon Court, Brandon Animal Hospital, Mrs. Mandy’s Daycare, Rouse Elementary, and First Baptist Church Children’s Center 

Students impacted: 266
Volunteers: 22
Duration of partnership: 8 years

The Academy, funded by the Rankin County School District, provides a 4-year course curriculum for students interested in the healthcare field. The Academy also receives federal funding through Perkins.  Students are offered CPR certification during their junior year. After graduation, they can continue their education at Hinds Community College to complete the Certified Nursing Assistant Program. During their senior year, they can begin the Licensed Practical Nursing program with completion 6 months after graduation. Sports medicine students can earn up to 9 hours of college credit through Delta State University.

Activities:

• Clinical shadowing and field trips
• Labs related to the curriculum
• Training sessions on résumé writing and interviewing skills

Impacts:

• Academy had 100% pass rate for MS-CPAS
• Students volunteered for several local charities