Project HEAL2-Health Education & Leadership for All

Operated from the Region One Education Service Center, Project HEAL2 serves 37 school districts (including 10 Charter School campuses) in Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, Willacy, and Zapata counties. The goal is to provide supports and experiences for high school students interested in articulating into a nursing career path. 

It was begun as a pilot in which educators developed new ideas to better assist students and turn approaches into practices that can benefit schools and districts across the country. Project HEAL2 expands evidence-based practices that support clinical practice and transform students' academic experiences. 

Partner organizations include: Doctors' Hospital at Renaissance (DHR) Health, South Texas College (STC), Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, La Joya ISD, and South TX ISD. 

Goal:

To increase the Health-integrated (STEM-design) Nursing competencies of under-represented students, specifically students from minority backgrounds through creativity, innovation, and engagement activities that promote diversity in education by creating a culturally diverse Nursing Workforce pipeline prepared for the 21st century and beyond. 

Objectives:

1. Increase the academic performance and preparation for Associate's Degree Nursing/postsecondary education of underrepresented students, specifically individuals from minority, Hispanic, low-income, and student with disability backgrounds.

2. Increase the rate of high school graduation including awareness, readinesss, and participation in postsecondary education of students. 

3. Increase the culturally diverse Nursing Workforce pipeline from high school to college to a career by creating an effective and efficient Nursing Program.