“True exposure.”
That’s how Alicia Devaull, the Bowie High School P-TECH administrator, described the impact of a $50,000 grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation.
“True exposure on different levels to see health science,” Devaull said. “The goal is to get our kids as many hands on or observation opportunities as they can to better prepare them for what happens after high school.”
The grant will support Bowie’s P-TECH program, one of four P-TECHs (Pathways in Technology) in Arlington ISD.
Bowie’s program is the only one focused specifically on health sciences. Students can select from four fields of study, including pharmacy technician, central sterile processing, health information systems, or ophthalmology. Through a close partnership with Medical City Arlington, students also gain access to work-based learning and real-world healthcare experiences.
Those experiences give students opportunities to explore different career paths, discover their interests, and better understand what a future in healthcare could look like.
“The grant funding will go toward work-based learning experiences in a variety of settings that really solidify students’ career path and keep them interested in moving forward in something in the healthcare profession,” said Jeanne Maxwell, an Arlington ISD Postsecondary Readiness coordinator who helped complete the application for the HCA grant.
She emphasized that students won’t just experience one thing – they’ll get to see and try many options.
“So, it helps them pick their pathway,” Maxwell said.
Devaull, who has led the Bowie P-TECH for four years, has seen firsthand what internships and hands-on experiences can do for students’ confidence and outlook.
“The more they learn and know and grow and connect and network, the more confident they can become that they’re not on a journey by themselves. It’s a community of people surrounding them intentionally to help them get to that level.”
Bowie’s P-TECH gives students the opportunity to earn an associate degree while still in high school, along with technical certifications. By the time they graduate from Bowie, they’re prepared for college and careers.
“Getting them to believe in themselves through education and partnership is the overall impact that we want for every student and family who participate in P-TECH,” Devaull said.
Providing those real-world, healthcare-focused experiences wouldn’t be possible without the close partnership with Medical City Arlington. MCA has been instrumental since the program started and offers real-life education and training in the hospital.
“We are very supportive of programs that prepare kids for healthcare careers, and this Bowie P-TECH program is doing a fantastic job of that,” said Matt Eisherloh, director of communications and community engagement for MCA. “We’re just so proud to be a partner with Bowie P-TECH and Arlington ISD to provide this donation from the HCA Healthcare Foundation of $50,000.”
Applications for Bowie P-TECH open Oct. 21
Devaull encourages junior high students to think about their futures when considering high school options rather than making a decision based only on the present.
“What do you want to do in 10 years? Where do you want to be in five years?” she asked.
For students considering a career in healthcare, Maxwell has advice.
“Sign up as quick as you can” for Bowie P-TECH!
Bowie’s P-TECH is one of Arlington ISD’s Signature Programs, designed to give students opportunities to explore their interests, develop their talents and get a head start on college and careers. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can apply for a Signature Program that helps them develop their unique talents while gaining valuable educational and career experiences.
Applications for Arlington ISD Signature Programs open Oct. 21. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Nov. 12.