Riverside College of Health Sciences (RCHS) and Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) have partnered to enhance the pathway for local high school students interested in future health care careers. Through this partnership, students enrolled at The Governor's Health Sciences Academy at Warwick High School (GHSA) in Newport News, will benefit from specialized clinical education support provided by RCHS faculty and gain access to meaningful clinical experiences. This collaboration enhances the rigorous academic curriculum offered by GHSA and provides students with invaluable exposure to real-world health care environments, preparing them for successful careers in the health care field.
“At RCHS, we believe local partnerships, such as our collaboration with the Health Sciences Academy, are invaluable to both local high school students and the broader community. These relationships provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and a chance to understand and engage with pressing challenges that professionals in our local health care landscape face,” says Robin Nelhuebel, College President of Riverside College of Health Sciences. “As students grow and learn, they strengthen the ties between education and well-being, ensuring the next generation of health care professionals are deeply connected to the needs and values of those they will serve.”
The Governor’s Health Sciences Academy at Warwick High School combines collaborative, rigorous academics with a broad range of clinical experiences, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This dual focus ensures that students are well prepared to enter post-secondary education or begin working in health care related field immediately after graduation. Within this partnership, Riverside will provide professionals from nursing and allied health disciplines to guest lecture in classroom and simulation lab settings, programmed visits to Riverside’s multiple high-tech simulated patient care labs, and preferred admissions for GHSA graduates into RCHS undergraduate programs.
“This program provides our high school students with unparalleled opportunities to explore careers in health care while gaining real-world experience. By connecting them with industry professionals and fostering hands-on learning, we’re preparing students and equipping them with necessary skills to succeed,” says Tiffany Thompson, Principal of Warwick High School. “Programs like this empower our students to see the impact they can make locally and beyond and these experiences ensure our students graduate with a competitive edge and a strong foundation for their futures.”
Together, RCHS and NNPS are investing in the future of health care by supporting local students and cultivating a workforce ready to meet the needs of their community.
To learn more about Riverside College of Health Sciences, please visit riverside.edu.