Uniondale charter school, Northwell partner to inspire next-gen leaders

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A charter school with a campus in Uniondale is partnering with Northwell Health to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.

The Academy Charter School’s Uniondale High School is partnering with Northwell’s Center for Learning & Innovation MedVoyage program. At the program’s launch last week,  participating students were welcomed in a “white coat” ceremony, similar to those at medical schools.

Through the program, students gain the opportunity to explore career paths and hands-on exposure, as well as connect with the health system’s practices.

“We’re excited to welcome The Academy Charter School into MedVoyage,” Brian Aquart, vice president of Northwell’s Workforce & Community Education department, said in a news release about the program.

The program comes amid a healthcare workforce shortage. Earlier this year, for example, Northwell reported that New York is projected to face a shortage of almost 40,000 nurses by 2030. But programs like MedVoyage and others aim to build a future talent pool and help students find career paths with sustainable wages.

“Our mission is to spark curiosity and career ambition in young minds by providing them with hands-on experiences that highlight the wide array of opportunities within the healthcare industry,” Aquart said. “Through this partnership, we aim to cultivate a new generation of healthcare leaders who are inspired and prepared to make meaningful contributions.”

Students in the program will work with LIJ Valley Stream Hospital and visit key Northwell locations, including the Center for Emergency Services, Core Laboratories, the Center for Learning & Innovation, and the Institute for Nursing. During these visits, students will participate in guided tours, engage with healthcare professionals, and gain insight into the health system’s daily operations.

“This opportunity is truly transformative for our students,” Tameka Pierre-Louis, network ambassador of Career and Technical Education-STEM at The Academy Charter School, said in the news release. “Programs like MedVoyage not only expand their understanding of the healthcare field but help build the confidence needed to see themselves thriving in these spaces. Our goal is to empower them with the skills, exposure, and confidence to pursue meaningful careers that align with their passions and potential.”