Education Foundation Received $25,000 Health Grant
The HCA Healthcare Foundation award supports medical career training for Alachua County high school students.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
Live Poll
Should your local schools prioritize partnerships with private companies to prepare students for career pathways?
The Education Foundation of Alachua County secured a $25,000 grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation to advance student medical career pathways. The funding supports an ongoing partnership with HCA Florida North Florida Hospital to address local nursing assistant shortages.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to mitigate a regional shortage of certified nursing assistants by providing students with essential training and clinical exposure. The program connects academic classroom work with professional healthcare environments to encourage students to pursue careers in nursing.
Since 2024, 42 students have completed CNA certification coursework through the program, which currently supports 17 high school seniors. Additionally, 100% of surveyed participants reported the initiative successfully linked classroom lessons to healthcare careers.
The players
Education Foundation of Alachua County
This nonprofit organization works to support students and teachers within the Alachua County Public Schools system.
HCA Healthcare Foundation
This philanthropic entity provides funding for community health initiatives through its Healthier Tomorrow Fund.
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital
This Gainesville-based medical facility serves as a primary site for the nursing career exploration partnership.
Galen College of Nursing
This institution specializes in nursing education and hosts students for clinical career exploration tours.
Eastside High School
This secondary school serves as the participating site for students involved in the medical skills program.
The details
Students tour clinical facilities and engage with nursing teams to practice professional skills under the guidance of HCA Florida North Florida Hospital staff. The program also provides specialized CNA preparation classes to assist students in meeting the requirements for state certification exams.
Timeline
The partnership began supporting student CNA certification coursework in 2024.
Eastside High School students visited the hospital and nursing college on September 24, 2026.
Market Landscape
This program positions local healthcare providers to build a sustainable talent pipeline by addressing the national nursing assistant workforce shortage at the high school level. By integrating professional training into early education, the initiative proactively counters labor gaps that have historically plagued the medical sector.
Local students gain access to free CNA certification prep classes that can accelerate their entry into the medical workforce. This program reduces the barrier to entry for healthcare careers, potentially increasing the availability of qualified nursing assistants for residents in Gainesville.
The takeaway
Early clinical exposure significantly alters student perceptions, with the number of participants believing a degree is required to enter the field dropping from 44% to 26%. Providing high schoolers with concrete career pathways can effectively demystify medical roles and inspire future medical staff.
Further reading
Find more details on local training efforts in Gainesville Nursing Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Alachua Chronicle.
Live Poll
Should your local schools prioritize partnerships with private companies to prepare students for career pathways?
