Modesto, CA: April 7, 2026 – HealthForce Partners California today announced a new partnership with Stanislaus County Health Services Agency and Modesto City Schools to expand healthcare career exploration opportunities for middle and high school students in Modesto. The initiative is supported by a Sutter Health Community Health Investment Award awarded to Stanislaus County Health Services Agency.

Through this collaboration, the partners will hire a dedicated Healthcare Career Navigator who will work directly with students, teachers, and counselors to increase awareness of healthcare professions and outline clear pathways from classroom to employment. Recruitment for the Healthcare Career Navigator will launch this spring.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment to building a strong, local healthcare workforce pipeline that begins in the classroom and expands equitable access to high quality career opportunities. It specifically supports Stanislaus County's Community Health Improvement Plan's healthcare workforce and physician pipeline strategy under the Access to Care priority area.

"Early exposure to healthcare careers is one of the most effective ways to build a sustainable workforce," said Paul Lanning, CEO of HealthForce Partners California. "By meeting students where they are in middle and high school, we can demystify healthcare professions, clarify pathways, and ensure young people in Modesto see a future for themselves in this field. This partnership connects education and industry in a way that strengthens both our healthcare system and our local communities."

Rachelle Barkus, Senior Director of Educational Options for Modesto City Schools, emphasized the impact on students. "Our students benefit tremendously when they can see a clear connection between what they are learning in school and the careers available in their own community. Partnering with Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, Sutter Health, and HealthForce Partners California expands access to healthcare career exploration and helps students take meaningful next steps after graduation.This work also aligns closely with our Map Your Mission framework, which helps students intentionally explore career pathways, connect with industry partners, and understand how their coursework today can lead to real opportunities in our local workforce."

Ashley Worley, Health Initiative Manager for Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, noted the broader public health significance. "Investing in local students today strengthens the health of our community tomorrow. By expanding healthcare career exploration and providing dedicated navigation support, we are helping build a workforce that reflects and understands the communities it serves. This award from Sutter Health enables us to take a proactive approach to workforce development while advancing health equity."

Katie Malone, Manager of Community Health for Sutter Health's Central Valley Division, highlighted the importance of cross sector collaboration. "Sutter Health has a long and proud history of working alongside community leaders, organizations and other health systems to comprehensively understand and address identified community health needs within the regions we serve. Healthcare workforce development remains an opportunity for us in the Central Valley. Sutter is proud to support innovative partnerships like this one where early healthcare career exposure is frequent, and structured pathways are clear. This initiative helps support the next generation of healthcare professionals so they are prepared and rooted in the communities where they will serve."

The Healthcare Career Navigator will collaborate with school site leaders, counselors, and healthcare employers to coordinate career exploration activities, provide pathway guidance, and connect students to training programs aligned with regional workforce demand.

This initiative builds on HealthForce Partners California's broader work to align healthcare employers, education systems, and community partners in developing scalable workforce solutions that expand opportunity while addressing critical staffing needs across California.

About HealthForce Partners California

HealthForce Partners California brings together top executives and operational leaders from healthcare, education, and workforce development to craft innovative programs and systems-change strategies that address the staffing priorities of employers while expanding career opportunities for community residents. Originally focused on the Northern San Joaquin Valley, the organization has since broadened its reach to additional regions across California. To learn more, visit https://www.healthforcepartners.net.