On a bright day at Duke’s Trent Semans Great Hall, rising ninth-grader Alivia Williams arrived with her mother, Carla, ready to choose her field of study at a new early college high school dedicated to health care.
“Research,” the 14-year-old replied when asked about her interest.
Nearby, Kyle Jara, also 14, enjoyed a plate of food, noting, “I want to be a registered nurse and maybe become an anesthesiologist.”
Alivia and Kyle are part of the first cohort of students at the Durham Early College of Health Sciences (ECHS), which will begin classes in the fall at Durham Technical Community College in a renovated space. This initiative is part of Duke’s commitment to enhancing educational and economic opportunities for Durham’s residents.
The establishment of ECHS is the result of a successful partnership between Duke Health, Durham Tech, and Durham Public Schools, bolstered by a generous $29.5 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to support an early college program for students eager to embark on health care careers.
“Both my parents are in health care at Duke,” Kyle shared. “They inspired me to do the same. My dad works at the eye care center. My mom is a bedside nurse.”
As part of their curriculum, students at ECHS will gain comprehensive training in fields such as nursing, allied health, surgical tech, and clinical research. They will also work towards completing their high school diplomas alongside earning an associate degree or professional credentials necessary for their future careers in health care. Graduates of the program will have direct access to job opportunities at Duke Health.
The atmosphere at Trent Semans Great Hall was electric as students lined up for a signing ceremony resembling a graduation event, signing their names on a commemorative wooden board as their names were called.
A few parents couldn’t hold back tears of pride, cheering as their children took the stage.
“Aliviaaaa!” Carla Williams exclaimed when her daughter’s name was announced.
Welcoming remarks came from Durham ECHS principal Joshua Brown, Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton, and Duke University Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Dr. Mary E. Klotman, while Duke Health Chief Executive Officer Craig Albanese delivered closing remarks.
The keynote address was presented by 25-year-old Hope Reynolds, an acute care physical therapy resident at Duke Health.
Reynolds recounted her journey, stating, “You are part of something much larger than yourself. You are now part of a community of health professionals.”
“Through my own personal experience, I found the world of physical therapy at the exact moment when I needed it,” she continued, emphasizing the importance of early exposure to health care fields. “A program like Early College Health and Sciences would have given me a way to chase this passion of mine early on.”
“Compassion and the pursuit of a career in health sciences go hand in hand,” Principal Brown noted. “You’re not just committing to this early college high school; you’re committing to be part of this community and to make a significant impact on people’s health and wellness.”
Dr. Klotman reflected on Duke’s rich history of commitment to medical research and training future health care providers. “This partnership will transform health care in Durham. To our students, congratulations. You have chosen wisely.”
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