Students thrive in Oakland Unified’s health career pathway, study finds

AS SCHOOL DISTRICTS search for ways to reengage students after the pandemic, at least one district in California has found success in a health career training program that’s led to higher graduation rates, more students enrolling in college — and rave reviews from students and alumni.

The health career pathway at Oakland Unified, in part coordinated through the Linked Learning Alliance, has seen its enrollment almost triple in the past four years, with especially big gains among students of color. The alliance is a nonprofit that advocates for and certifies career pathway programs in schools.