Six Gervais High School seniors are taking a significant step toward careers in healthcare through Chemeketa Community College’s Early College EMT program, supported by the Perkins Innovation and Modernization (PIM) grant. This marks the first year Gervais School District is participating in the initiative, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
The program, held at Chemeketa’s Brooks Campus, is designed to introduce students to critical concepts and skills in emergency medical services. This fall, participants are immersed in foundational coursework, including Medical Terminology and an Introduction to Emergency Services. Starting in the Winter term, the students will delve into EMT-specific training, which features hands-on medical labs to solidify their learning and prepare them for real-world applications.
The PIM grant, which focuses on enhancing healthcare and agriculture education in the region, provides high school students with free access to college courses and pathways into high-demand fields. Chemeketa’s Early College EMT program enables students to earn college credits and work toward obtaining their EMT certification by the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.
In addition to the EMT program, the grant supports a Medical Assisting track at Chemeketa’s Yamhill Valley Campus, offering further opportunities for students to explore healthcare careers.
Looking ahead, the PIM grant aims to expand its offerings to include paid work-based learning and job shadowing experiences, further bridging the gap between education and employment. These initiatives highlight the growing partnership between Chemeketa and local school districts, opening doors for students to gain valuable skills and certifications that set them up for success in their chosen career paths.
The dedication of the Gervais High School seniors in this inaugural program underscore the potential of initiatives like the PIM grant to shape the future of education and workforce development in our region.