
We have officially transitioned to Non-Profit status and are welcoming Irene Espinoza to our team.
Irene brings over 20 years of expertise in workforce development, strategic partnerships, and program management, with a proven record of expanding job opportunities, increasing program effectiveness, and fostering youth career development.
Her leadership and innovative approach will be instrumental as we scale our impact, deepen our community partnerships, and ensure our programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of the health science industry.
While this transition marks exciting growth, there is still much-needed work ahead in this space. Many individuals continue to face barriers to accessing quality career pathways and workforce training, particularly in undeserved communities.
As a nonprofit, we are uniquely positioned to address these gaps by leveraging Irene’s experience in building sustainable business models, integrating emerging technologies, and driving continuous improvement.
Together, we are committed to expanding opportunities, increasing job placements, and creating lasting change for those who need it most, ensuring our mission delivers tangible, positive impact.
Irene Espinoza. MA

Healthcare Pathway Advocates
Announcements
Welcome to Healthcare Pathway Advocates
We’re excited to announce! We have officially transitioned to non-profit status and are welcoming Irene Espinoza. As the fundraising branch transitions from the original consortment, Irene is stepping forward to renew focus on supporting access to healthcare, medical education, and essential funding for students. Our goal is to connect generous donors with meaningful resources that empower individuals in the Mother Lode region to gain knowledge and bridge the workforce gap.
Together, we’ll continue building strong partnerships, inspiring compassion, and creating pathways that make quality healthcare possible for all.
80+ Internships in 2026,
Real World Impact
for Students and Communities
Thanks to our innovative, equity-focused approach, we are thrilled to share these milestones and achievements:

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80+ Paid Internships: Students will gain invaluable hands-on experience in local clinics, hospitals, and EMS settings, addressing real workforce shortages
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Culturally Responsive Curriculum: Designed with input from educators, students, and healthcare leaders, our curriculum reflects the realities, aspirations, and needs of the diverse communities we serve.
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Seamless Pathways: Through partnerships with schools, colleges, and healthcare employers, we are building clear bridges from high school to healthcare careers.
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Mentorship and Leadership Development: Alumni are returning as mentors, creating a cycle of inspiration and leadership that uplifts the next generation.
What's ahead in 2026
Here’s a preview of our 2026 program timeline
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December 2025 – February 2026:
Leadership development, certification exam prep, and capstone events with student presentations
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January – March 2026:
Student recruitment, outreach, and partnership meetings
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June – December 2026:
Career exploration workshops, mentorship matching, and site visits to clinics and hospitals.
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Year-Round:
Program administration, staff training, and partnership meetings to ensure continuous improvement and sustainability
Meet our Scholars and Alumni

Health Science Career Labs at Sonora High School
Take a look inside Sonora High School’s Health Science Labs, where students gain hands-on experience with real medical tools and technology. They’re exploring healthcare careers, developing practical skills, and preparing to make a difference in the future of medicine!
How Calaveras High School is Inspiring the Next Generation of Rural Healthcare Workers
At Calaveras High School, students are gaining real-world medical experience long before graduation, from learning CPR to working alongside nurses in local hospitals.
Thanks to dedicated educators and the support of Healthcare Pathway Advocates, this innovative program is tackling the rural health care worker shortage by preparing youth for rewarding careers in their own communities


