Cody, Wyo. (Dec. 1, 2023) – We celebrate the beginning of a remarkable collaboration – the Health Careers Kickoff – forged through the collaborative efforts of Cody Regional Health, Cody High School, and Heart Mountain Academy. This groundbreaking endeavor, made possible by the innovative Classroom 2 Careers program aligned directly to the RIDE pilot program, led by Park County School District 6, sets the stage for an inspiring journey of education, empowerment, and aspiration for the future healthcare workforce.
“Wyoming’s Future of Learning,” a collaboration between Gov. Mark Gordon, Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, the Wyoming Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and the University of Wyoming College of Education, recently announced the nine school districts that have been accepted into the RIDE Pilot supporting Student-Centered Learning.
Doug McMillan, CEO of Cody Regional Health, shared his perspective: “At Cody Regional Health, we recognize the immense potential within our community’s youth. This partnership allows us to cultivate that potential and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals who will play a vital role in our healthcare system. We are excited to be a part of this transformative journey.”
Vernon Orndorff, Superintendent of Park County School District 6, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “This partnership represents a powerful intersection between education and healthcare. It underscores the significance of introducing students to health careers, preparing them for the growing demand in the healthcare sector. We are committed to providing our students with opportunities that align with their interests and the needs of our community.”
“As the Principal of Cody High School, I am thrilled to embark on this transformative journey through the Health Careers Kickoff program. This dynamic partnership with Cody Regional Health and Heart Mountain Academy opens doors to exciting possibilities for our students,” stated Nate Tedjeske. I am genuinely excited to witness the positive impact this initiative will have on our students’ futures and the broader community. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare education, and I eagerly look forward to the incredible opportunities this collaboration will offer in the days ahead.”
Beth Blatt, Principal of Heart Mountain Academy, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “At Heart Mountain Academy, we believe in nurturing the dreams and aspirations of our students. The Health Careers Kickoff program aligns perfectly with our mission to empower students to pursue their passions. This initiative will undoubtedly open doors to a world of possibilities for our scholars.”
The Classroom 2 Careers initiative offers students a unique chance to explore various health-related professions and skilled workforce careers in high-need, high-skilled, high-wage fields. Through interactive sessions, hands-on experiences, and insightful discussions, the aim is to spark a passion that propels students toward meaningful and fulfilling careers in healthcare.
By bringing together healthcare professionals, a skilled workforce, educators, and students, a dynamic ecosystem is created where knowledge is shared, questions are explored, and the foundation for future success is laid.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Mr. McMillan and the Cody Regional Health Team, Mr. Tedjeske, Principal at Cody High School, Ms. Blatt, Principal at Heart Mountain Academy, the dedicated professional educators, and the Park County School District 6 Board of Trustees for their unwavering commitment to fostering innovative educational pathways. Their dedication to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future is truly commendable.
Together, we are not only shaping the future of healthcare but the future of this beautiful community, one inspired scholar at a time.
For assistance with this story, please contact Cody Regional Health at crh@codyregionalhealth.org.
About Cody Regional Health
Cody Regional Health (CRH) is a national leading critical care access healthcare system serving Northwest Wyoming. CRH employs and partners with over 100 providers offering a wide variety of compressive services including a walk-in clinic, Orthopedic clinic, wound care clinic, and cardiology center. Adjacent to our hospital is a 94-bed Long-Term Care Center and a 16-bed chemical dependency center. CRH offers an 8-bed hospice care house and a regional cancer center. CRH abides by the Planetree philosophy as a model of health care. The Planetree model strives to enhance patient comfort by personalizing, humanizing, and demystifying the healthcare experience. More information can be found at www.codyregionalhealth.org.
About Park County School District 6
Park County School District 6 is a progressive early learning through 12th-grade school district in Cody, WY. We serve over 2000 scholars at Cody High School, Heart Mountain Academy, Cody Middle School, and our elementary schools, Eastside, Livingston, Sunset, Valley, and Wapiti. We strive to cultivate a collaborative, supportive environment while building capacity where everyone can discover their passion, grow their passion, making a positive impact in the world. Our instructional leaders and professional educators blend the science of teaching and the art of teaching providing choice learning opportunities with real-world experiences. Through our classroom-to-careers, Flagship programs, and partnerships with local business leaders, we support our community in transforming future career opportunities for our scholars.
About Heart Mountain Academy
Heart Mountain Academy is a dedicated educational institution located in the heart of Cody, Wyoming. Committed to providing a nurturing and empowering learning environment, the academy serves as a beacon of academic excellence in the region. With a mission to inspire and prepare students for a successful future, Heart Mountain Academy focuses on fostering innovation, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning. Through its dedicated staff, dynamic programs, and a strong community of educators and learners, the academy plays an integral role in shaping the future leaders and contributors of our society.