Our Mission:

The mission of the Sequoia Health Careers Academy is to provide a rigorous, equitable and interdisciplinary academic program that prepares students for college level study in health care fields or a career in health care upon graduation. Our program achieves this mission by fostering a personalized learning community and building strong partnerships with the health care industry, the community, and institutes of higher education.

The Sequoia Health Careers Academy Program is a new edition to Sequoia's award-winning academic lineup. H.C.A. students in 10th through 12th grade learn and grow in a small learning community consisting of dedicated peers and caring and invested teachers.

Advantages of the Health Careers Academy:

• Personalization through small class sizes, mentoring, 'looping' with teachers and community-building activities.
• Real-world experiences through mentors, internships, volunteering, industry partnerships, and field trips.
• Exposure to, and training for, careers in the health care field.
• Preparation for success in the workplace and the college classroom.

The Sequoia HCA Mentor Program is seeking mentors!

• Do you have the desire to work with enthusiastic (and very charming) high school students?
• Are you seeking a structured and low-stress outreach opportunity?
• Do you have a skill, a talent or a particular piece of wisdom to share?

If any of the above are true (and #3 is true for all of you!), please consider serving as a mentor this spring.

What does the commitment involve?

• Commit to two hours a month for mentor events. Mentor events will occur in the evenings (5:30 to 7:00) once a month here at Sequoia. The Mentor Program ‘season' runs from January to early June. If these events do not suit your schedule, don't worry--we'll schedule alternate events around you!
• Communicate with your mentee via email or phone conversations at least twice a month.

What do Mentors do?

• Establish a positive, personal relationship with a high school junior in the Sequoia HCA.
• Guide their mentees professionally and personally.
• Help their mentees access resources.
• Help their mentees to see their own strengths, take on challenges, and focus on their futures.

As a result of your work with them, your mentee will...

• Increase knowledge of the relationship between school and work.
• Establish a professional relationship with a successful working adult.
• Develop an awareness of business and career opportunities.
• Expand understanding of professional and educational options

• H.C.A. Mentor Program Application
  This link will guide you our Mentor Program application. Your information will go directly to our Mentor Coordinator, Nicholas Muys. Thanks for interest!

The Sequoia Health Careers Academy offers Sequoia students a small, supportive and cohesive learning community:

• Students take up to four classes in the HCA: Science, English, Social Studies, and Career Tech.
  
• H.C.A. teachers often 'loop' with their students by moving up grade levels with them; our teachers know our students well, and vice versa.
  
• H.C.A. teachers meet weekly to discuss student progress. These meetings, which often include the students themselves, aim to identify student needs and access appropriate sources of support.
• H.C.A. class sizes are small: an average of 25 students. Small class sizes increase personalization and learning.

Sequoia HCA Open House Event: New to the Health Careers Academy? Come join us for an informational session on Thursday, 3/29, at 7:30 in room 306. After the 30 min. presentation, H.C.A. students and staff will be available for Q&A about our program. Hope to see you there!

• Health Careers Exploration
  Produced by the San Mateo County Community College system, this page provides information on health career pathways. Visitors will find video testimonials, salary ranges, educational requirements, and descriptions of a range of health careers.
• Zoomz-AIM4COLLEGE
  This site features useful info and forums for 1st generation college students.