_edited_edited.png)
About Us
At Healthcare Pathway Advocates, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in a meaningful healthcare career—regardless of their zip code. As a nonprofit, we are redefining what’s possible for youth in California’s rural and underserved Mother Lode Region by opening doors to the high-demand, often-overlooked careers that form the backbone of our healthcare system.
Our innovative model brings together high schools, healthcare providers, and colleges in a robust, collaborative network. Through comprehensive classroom instruction, hands-on learning, mentorship, and paid internships, we equip students with the academic knowledge, technical skills, and real-world experience they need to succeed—whether they enter the workforce right after graduation or pursue further education.
Healthcare Pathway Advocates was founded in response to the urgent need for skilled allied health professionals and the barriers local students face when accessing these careers. We address these gaps by providing wraparound support and seamless transitions from high school to college or employment, ensuring students are not only prepared but also empowered to become leaders in their communities.
Today, our consortium serves more than 1,500 students each year across twelve high schools, creating a sustainable pipeline of locally trained healthcare professionals. By investing in local talent, building strong partnerships, and supporting economic mobility, we are shaping a healthier, more equitable future for our region and beyond.
Join us in building the next generation of healthcare professionals—right here, at home.
Healthcare Pathway Advocates is a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives. Through this sponsorship, we are able to focus on empowering students and professionals pursuing healthcare careers while benefiting from Community Initiatives’ nonprofit infrastructure, financial management, and compliance support as a 501(c)(3) public charity.
We Are
The Healthcare
Pathway Advocates
The Healthcare Pathway Advocates emerged from the pioneering work of Health Science Career Pathway Advocates, an ambitious initiative launched in 2019 under the leadership of Paul DeBaldo and Rick Damelio. Established to address the critical healthcare workforce gap in California’s Mother Lode Region, our organization has grown through the dedication of school and business leaders committed to transformative change. Today, we continue to expand our impact by creating and sustaining comprehensive health science career pathways—empowering students with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to pursue meaningful careers and strengthen the future of healthcare in our rural communities
Our Mission
To transform the future of rural healthcare by equipping and empowering students from underserved communities with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed to launch successful allied health careers. We break down barriers, foster innovation, and build sustainable pathways that connect education to meaningful employment—creating a diverse, locally rooted healthcare workforce that strengthens our communities.
Our Vision
We envision thriving rural communities where every young person has the opportunity and support to pursue a fulfilling, high-impact career in healthcare. Through innovative partnerships, hands-on learning, and unwavering advocacy, we aim to become the leading model for building equitable, seamless pipelines from classroom to career—ensuring health, opportunity, and hope for generations to come.
Our Values
we value
We value education, community, diversity, innovation, and collaboration.
We believe
We believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities.
we embrace
We embrace diversity and recognize the unique strengths and perspectives that each individual brings to the table.
we encourage
We encourage innovation and creativity in finding solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare industry.
We Believe
We believe that collaboration is essential to achieving our goals.
Our Goals
Empowering Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders—Today
At Healthcare Pathway Advocates, we’re transforming the future of rural healthcare by working hand-in-hand with high schools across California’s Mother Lode Region. Our mission is simple but powerful: to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experience they need to launch thriving careers in healthcare—whether they step straight into entry-level positions or pursue advanced degrees at colleges and universities.
.
Here’s how we’re building the next generation of healthcare professionals:
-
Career-Ready Pathways: Our partner high schools offer outstanding Health Pathway Programs that blend hands-on learning, mentorship, and dual enrollment opportunities, preparing students for immediate employment and ongoing educational success.
-
Real-World Experience: Thanks to our strong partnerships with local healthcare providers, students gain access to paid internships and immersive job shadowing. These experiences let seniors build essential skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and make valuable connections in the field.
-
Collaborative Ecosystem: We foster dynamic, mutually beneficial relationships between schools and healthcare employers. By working together, we ensure that students receive top-tier training while local healthcare organizations help shape—and benefit from—a skilled, reliable workforce pipeline.
Focusing on High-Demand Careers: Our programs spotlight the fastest-growing allied health roles, giving students a clear view of in-demand career opportunities and empowering them to make informed decisions for their future.
Join us as we invest in local talent, strengthen our communities, and create a healthier future for all. Together, we’re not just filling jobs—we’re launching meaningful careers and transforming lives.
Meet the Team
Board Members
.png)
.jpg)
Thank You
Thank you, Scott Nanik, former Calaveras County Superintendent and Mark Campbell, former Calaveras Unified School District Superintendent for allowing us the opportunity to work with their staffs to build the outstanding model health pathway program at Calaveras High School. Special thanks to Dave Duggan, Media Director of Bret Harte School District, for his invaluable assistance and support. We also extend our gratitude to Suzanne Butler, Lead Teacher, and her teaching partner for their contributions. Stephanie Attaway, for building a program that will be a 4 year program starting with the 2023/24 school year. We also want to thank Terri Tanner, former HS Counselor for her support of the program and Kevin Hesser for the work his help writing grants and helping us find the needed resources to support the program."
