Expands Health Care Pathways at Mills University Studies, Jacksonville, and Maumelle High Schools
The Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation is partnering with CARTI, a multi-disciplinary cancer care provider, to encourage and equip local high school students to pursue careers in health care. As part of the new partnership, CARTI will support students at Mills University Studies High School, Jacksonville High School and Maumelle High School, including through CARTI Discover, its on-site job shadowing program.
The partnership between the Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation and CARTI reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for postsecondary success by connecting classroom learning to in-demand health care careers. Through unique opportunities like CARTI Discover, high school students will explore different roles in cancer care, learn from expert professionals and gain hands-on experience in the medical field.
Students will benefit from enhanced learning experiences throughout their high school careers. Beginning as freshmen, students will participate in career exploration opportunities, such as guest speakers, industry panels and engaging career fairs featuring CARTI team members and other healthcare partners. CARTI will also offer industry tours and work-based learning opportunities like CARTI Discover, ensuring students have the skills necessary to thrive after graduation.
“We applaud the Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation for investing in students’ future success while supporting the next generation of health care leaders,” said Adam Head, president and CEO of CARTI. “As students will see, every team member at CARTI plays a vital role in advancing our mission of making trusted cancer care accessible. We hope this unique experience will inspire them to pursue a career in the medical field.”
“This partnership with CARTI is about students seeing themselves in the future and being prepared for those opportunities,” said Jacksonville North Pulaski Superintendent, Dr. Jeremy Owoh. “By connecting instructional learning and experiences to actual healthcare careers, we are opening doors, expanding possibilities and helping scholars understand that their talents, interests and aspirations have a clear pathway forward. When scholars can envision and are prepared for what’s possible, they engage, they grow, and they succeed.”
The Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation supports a countywide initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between public school districts and the business community, ensuring students have access to career-connected learning experiences aligned to regional workforce needs.
“Welcoming an organization like CARTI is an exciting opportunity for the Academies of Central Arkansas,” said Markous Jewett, president & CEO of the Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation. “CARTI’s commitment to partner with three of our academy high schools means hundreds of students will get the chance to learn alongside recognized health care leaders. We are thankful for CARTI and its commitment to serving students and supporting our region’s continued economic growth.”
Pulaski County Special Superintendent Jeff Senn said, "The Pulaski County Special School District is focused on student growth and development to ensure college and career readiness. This collaboration with the CARTI strengthens our collective ability to provide real-world learning opportunities for our students. Together, we are preparing them for life beyond K–12."
The implementation of the Academies of Central Arkansas is a multi-year effort to transform high schools into more relevant, engaging, and career-connected learning environments. Business and industry partners play a critical role by helping students understand how academic learning connects directly to future careers.
About the Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation The Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation is a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining and expanding the Academies of Central Arkansas model across Pulaski County. Serving as the regional convening organization, the Foundation works in partnership with participating public-school districts to connect students with meaningful, career-connected learning experiences. By engaging business, civic, and community partners, the Foundation ensures that every student has access to opportunities that prepare them for success in college, career, and life. For more information, visit www.academiesofcentralarkansas.org.
About CARTI Now celebrating 50 years, CARTI is a not-for-profit, multidisciplinary cancer care provider offering leading-edge medical, radiation and surgical oncology, interventional radiology, clinical research trials, imaging, breast care, urology, and an array of specialty services, including audiology, cancer genetics and risk management, dental care, dietetics and more. With 18 locations across the state and Arkansas’ first cancer-focused surgery center, CARTI makes trusted cancer care accessible for every patient it serves