Sutter Health Plus recently donated $10,000 Health Careers Academy High School, a Stockton charter school focused on a curriculum that teaches students health care technical skills. In addition, Sutter Gould Medical Foundation donated $2,500 to the program.

Health Careers Academy High School currently has 493 students and 17 teachers, and graduated its first senior class earlier this year. As a not-for-profit, Sutter Health Plus partners with local community programs that align with its mission, vision, and values. The health plan identified Health Careers Academy High School as an organization that supports the future of health care by preparing students for a career in the medical field. This is especially important in communities—such as Stockton and the surrounding areas—that today experience a shortage of health care professionals.

“Sutter Gould Medical Foundation is proud to support our communities through partnerships with local organizations such as Health Careers Academy,” said Katherine Manuel, chief operating officer at Sutter Gould Medical Foundation. “Nearly 70 student volunteers from Health Careers Academy High School have assisted our patients, staff, and physicians in our Stockton facility. We all greatly benefit from their warm welcomes and eager assistance and, in turn, they gain work experience in a clinical setting.”

“We’re committed to increasing access to health care now and in the future. Health Careers Academy High School compliments both aims by encouraging and preparing young adults to become the next generation of health care professionals,” said Monica Majors, vice president of Strategic Sales and Marketing at Sutter Health Plus.

Health Careers Academy High School will use Sutter Health’s combined investment of $12,500 to provide students with field trip transportation and scrubs so students are able to job shadow in or be at community events throughout the school year.