$3.1 million grant to increase access to health careers

Campus News | Friday, December 7, 2018

Columbus State Community College has been awarded a $3.1 million U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration grant to increase the number of economically disadvantaged Central Ohio students entering healthcare-related fields.

The college’s Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) has a goal within the next five years to place 1,125 students into allied health care education pathways serving students from Columbus City, South-Western City, and Whitehall City schools, as well as undergraduates and adult/nontraditional students. Allied health disciplines include such fields as dental hygiene, emergency medical services, medical assisting, surgical technology and veterinary technology.

Selected students will be eligible for mentoring, counseling, and pre-college assistance along with career, academic, and financial aid advising. Workshops will provide guidance on applying for federal financial aid, scholarships and essay writing. Rising high school seniors will be able to take part in a special immersive HCOP Summer Camp at Ohio University.

Students considered economically disadvantaged will come from a family with a low-income level. Participants considered educationally disadvantaged are first-generation college students or students in a high school with a low graduation rate.

Dr. Terrence Brown, Chairperson of Veterinary Imaging and Surgical Technology Programs and a former HCOP participant says, “There has been an enrollment decline in allied health programs for the past few years. HCOP will not only boost enrollment but also improve the diversity of the students in those programs.”

Franklin County is home to 25 hospitals and nearly 4,000 healthcare and social assistance organizations. In addition, Central Ohio is home to Cardinal Health, one of the region’s largest employers. These organizations will provide employment options for HCOP graduates.

Grant partners include The Ohio State University’s Department of Neuroscience, Otterbein University, Ohio University, YWCA Columbus, Faith Mission, Columbus City Schools, Whitehall City Schools, and South-Western City Schools. Nationwide Children’s Hospital is an additional partner.

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