Implementing Health Pathways in Continuation High Schools: Findings from an Evaluation of Oakland Health Pathways

Abstract

This brief presents findings from the Oakland Health Pathways Project (OHPP), a joint initiative of Oakland Unified School District, Alameda Health System, and Alameda County Health Care Services Agency. The initiative is designed to improve educational and long-term employment outcomes for youth of color in Oakland (Alameda County), California, while expanding and diversifying the local health care workforce. It applies Linked Learning, an approach to college and career preparation that combines classroom learning with real-world work experiences. This brief draws on interviews with key school and district personnel, as well as a student focus group, to identify promising strategies for implementing a health pathway in continuation high school settings. These strategies may also benefit educators implementing Linked Learning in traditional settings serving a high-needs student population.