FRESNO – The Doctors Academy at Sunnyside High School in Fresno, which is sponsored by the UCSF Fresno Latino Center for Medical Education and Research, recently received a grant for more than $198,000 from The California Endowment.
The UCSF Fresno Latino Center’s mission is to increase the diversity of the health workforce in the Central Valley through an educational pipeline program that partners with students, teachers and parents to aid students in their academic growth and encourage them to pursue professional careers in health care.
The Doctors Academy specifically prepares high school students to become competitive applicants to four-year universities by providing them with a rigorous academic program that includes experiences in research and clinical settings, service learning, and exposure to universities and colleges.
“Thanks to The California Endowment, we are able to continue offering our students first-hand experience in the health professions and enable them to attain their educational goals,” said Katherine A. Flores, director of the UCSF Fresno Latino Center.
Funding from The California Endowment will be earmarked for curriculum; SAT preparation; summer enrichment programs, which include a six-week clinical and research internship for Doctors Academy seniors; tutorials; staff development; parent workshops and conferences; and student visits to public and private colleges and universities.
Established in 1999, the Doctors Academy graduated its second class of students last month. All of the graduates will attend college in the fall. Several of the students will go on to University of California campuses.
The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation, is committed to working with organizations and institutions that directly benefit the health and well being of Californians. Since its inception in 1996, the Endowment has awarded more than 3,400 grants to community-based organizations throughout the state.
For more information, contact Bertha Dominguez at (559) 241-7670 or [email protected]
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