Southeast Health and Dothan City Schools today announced a business and education partnership that will enhance the current learning opportunities available for students at the Dothan Technology Center and establish an Academy of Health Sciences and Biomedical Science at Dothan Technology Center.

“Southeast Health is the largest employer in Houston County, and we believe this investment in our educational system will help ensure the availability of a future medical workforce in our community – and the continued availability of quality healthcare, both of which are key to attracting businesses and industries, and thus jobs,” noted Kelly Hurt, Southeast Health’s Chief Human Resources Officer.

Chris Duke, director of Career Technical Education & Workforce Development for Dothan City Schools, said the partnership will provide advanced learning opportunities for students and it is the first industry partnership of this magnitude in the career tech arena for Dothan City Schools.

“In addition to ensuring we have a workforce to care for our citizens, the partnership will also provide more hands-on educational experiences and learning opportunities for our youth,” Duke explained. “The early career exposure will help students get a jump-start on their career path and the financial support will enhance our existing programs.”

Southeast Health will benefit as well.

“Schools impact the future of our community by educating our workforce. We see this partnership as an investment in our educational system which will enhance our future staff and the organization long term.” Hurt noted.

The partnership was announced following Dothan City Schools’ August 19 Board Meeting, where board members voted to approve participation in the program.

“I am very pleased to have such a prominent healthcare organization, Southeast Health, as a partner,” says Dothan City Schools Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Edwards. “We want to provide quality training to our students and this can only be accomplished by connecting with actual professionals in the field. We want our students pursuing a career in the healthcare field, to have access to the right equipment, technology and training,” says Dr. Edwards.