Health Care Career Pipeline Partnership at Sharp Chula Vista

 Health Care Career Pipeline Parternship students receive one-on-one mentoring in areas that range from pathology to admitting.

 HCCPP Students

Helping ensure a bright future for health care.

Recognizing the critical need for diversity among physicians, nurses and other health care professionals as patient populations grow, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center created the Health Care Career Pipeline Partnership (HCCPP) in 2008, in collaboration with Barrio Logan College Institute, San Ysidro High School, Southwestern College, the San Diego Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and The California Endowment.

Evolved from the Health Academy, an initiative that began in 2006 with hospital tours for elementary school students, the HCCPP offers mentoring, internship and scholarship opportunities to high school students from diverse backgrounds to help them on the path toward successful careers in health care.

About the Health Care Career Pipeline Partnership
The HCCPP allows high school students interested in a career in the health industry a hands-on opportunity to experience how health care is delivered. Students begin with a behind-the-scenes tour of various hospital departments and are then paired with staff according to mutual interests and areas of specialty. Students receive one-on-one mentoring in areas that range from pathology to admitting. Those who demonstrate a strong interest in a health care career and maintain competitive grades are then eligible to receive a college scholarship.

An Innovation Solution to Workforce Shortages
California has been described as being in the midst of a workforce crisis.* A 2005 study conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Services concluded that the state is projected to be short more than 40,000 nurses in 2010. By 2020, the nursing shortage will be even more significant. The HCCPP is Sharp Chula Vista's answer to the call for an innovative solution to these workforce shortages. Through the HCCPP, Sharp Chula Vista is investing in the future of health care by supporting and mentoring students as they pursue health-related careers.

*The Center for the Health Professions at the University of California, San Francisco

How You Can Help
Since its inception, the HCCPP has been successful, with 12 program graduates currently enrolled at various colleges, thanks to a generous grant from The California Endowment. Additional endowments are needed to ensure the continued success of the program and help maintain a bright future for health care. If you'd like to support the education and enrichment of dedicated high school students by making a donation to the HCCPP, contact the Sharp HealthCare Foundation at 858-499-4800 or at Give to Sharp HealthCare.