THE NEED

HealthCare

Students in SCPS seek multiple pathways to meet professional aspirations in the fields of BNS, CNA, Biomedical and Mental health sciences.  Until the fall of 2024, the primary paths for the hundreds of students who have identified health sciences as a post-secondary field of study were…  A gap existed.   The CHAMP Center for Excellence is filling that gap.

The need for the Community Health and Medical Professions Center stemmed from the Rappahannock Region Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Improvement Plan (CHIP) provided in part by the Virginia Department of Health. Mental Health and Hospital Services were in the top tier when it came to the needs of the community, but there was a gap, in the workforce to fill those positions. 

CHAMP Center for Excellence

The Community Health and Medical Professions (CHAMP) Center offers coursework and learning experiences that prepare students for careers including those in the following areas:

  • Medical Doctor

  • Nursing - Certified Nurse Aide, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner

  • Physician Assistant

  • Mental Health Professional

Students enrolled in this Specialty Center will have the opportunity to extend their applications of mathematics and science beyond the classroom in innovative and practical spaces within four pathways. This center provides rigorous coursework that strengthens students’ critical thinking skills, supports innovation and creativity, and builds entrepreneurial skills. Students may choose to specialize in a healthcare pathway of their choice and complete an internship and/or a clinical experience, earn other relevant certifications, or complete rigorous coursework in preparation to pursue a career in a healthcare field.

Cyber 4+

Cyber 4+ is a Stafford Schools cybersecurity program allowing students to graduate high school with an associate degree and four industry-recognized certifications. 

Featuring unique costs related to Advanced Placement coursework, Dual Enrollment credits, and IT certifications, the four-year program costs approximately $5,000 per student. 

Stafford Schools currently has 35 students enrolled in the program with 85 freshmen starting in fall 2024. (Recommend appropriate sponsorship bands be provided because of the per pupil cost). 

OUR ROLE

SEF has the unique opportunity to engage in CHAMP as the fiscal agent of a grant from the Claude Moore Foundation, creating community partnerships with mental health providers and services and finding pathways to student engagement success.

Cyber 4+ and SEF share the architect of this program. Board member Vernon Green conceptualized and created this pathway for SCPS students.

THE IMPACT

Of the multiple grants awarded for the 2023-24 school year, the below are just some that represent the impact of teaching grants on our students.

CHAMP Center of Excellence curriculum information can be found HERE

Information on the Cyber 4+ program can be found HERE

HOW DONATIONS ARE USED

Donations to CHAMP will go toward teacher stipends and professional learning in these 4 pathways; innovative learning peripherals for students and certificate and DE testing fees and scholarships for graduating seniors. 

Donations for Cyber 4+ will supplement funding for professional certifications, AP, DE, and testing fees.

FUNDING NEED:

The CHAMP funding need for the 2024-2025 school year is $10,000

The Cyber 4+ funding need for the incoming Freshman class of  2024-2025 is $106,000.00