About the Healthcare Academy (HCA)
The Mitchell College Healthcare Academy (HCA) is an early college dual-enrollment experience that connects New London County middle and high school students with healthcare careers through a blend of educational and practical, hands-on experiences. With a long-term focus on community healthcare needs, the program’s service leadership component encourages students to pursue a path in healthcare and return to their community to work.
Designed to make healthcare careers more accessible, the HCA offers progressive experiences, beginning with a middle school pre-academy (HCA Rising) and culminating in a high school program. By building early interest and essential skills and creating a direct pipeline into healthcare degree programs, the HCA also helps address Connecticut’s rapidly rising critical workforce needs.
AN EARLY PATHWAY TO CAREER PREPARATION
The HCA offers a structured pathway to careers in healthcare for students in grades 10–12 through grade-specific healthcare engagement. Your child will participate in career education, leadership and soft-skills development, shadow days, hands-on learning labs, research and writing skills development, and summer experiences. The program builds in coaching and mentorship support to promote student success, and community conferences with industry leaders that offer opportunities for community engagement.
Mitchell College also offers HCA Rising, a pre-academy summer program that introduces rising students in grades 6–9 to healthcare through a foundational STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) exploration phase. Through engaging and playful summer activities and exploratory experiences, your child will discover how STEAM fields connect to healthcare. The goal of the program is to foster a love for healthcare fields and inspire early interest, encouraging students to apply to the Mitchell College Healthcare Academy by grade 9 for continued involvement.
OPPORTUNITIES & ACCESS
Healthcare jobs are among the fastest growing employment sectors, with a projected increase of 11% between 2020 and 2030, according to the Department of Labor. The CT Governor’s Workforce Council has set a target of adding 7,000 healthcare professionals annually to meet statewide needs.
Mitchell College is dedicated to addressing the critical workforce shortage and diversifying the healthcare employment pipeline. The Mitchell Healthcare Academy is designed specifically to prepare our youngest learners with a curriculum to begin to understand community healthcare needs and envision themselves as the healthcare providers and leaders of tomorrow.
As a leader in advocating for inclusive education for all students, Mitchell College seeks out and serves learners from across the education landscape—underserved communities, first-generation college students, neurodivergent learners, and others. The HCA aligns with our mission to make education more accessible while serving the needs of our community.
CONTACTS
Alicia Martinez, Ed.D., M.S.O.L.
Dean, Student Experience & Belonging
Chief Student Affairs Officer
860-701-7708
martinez_a@mitchell.edu
Emily Smith, M.S.
Administrative Coordinator for Student Affairs
Duques Center 207
860-701-5776
smith_e@mitchell.edu
Summer HCA Rising Program
REGISTER NOW!
HCA Rising — Healthcare Academy Middle School Program
About the Summer Academy
HCA Rising is a Healthcare Academy middle school program for New London County students in grades 6–9, offering exciting hands-on exploration of science, health, and wellness. This pre-academy summer program features interactive experiments, fun physical activities, and local field trips that inspire the next generation of thinkers, healers, and innovators. Students can register for one or two science-themed weeks. Small group size ensures plenty of attention, learning, and fun!
Those wishing to continue their healthcare studies in high school may apply in grade 9 for the Mitchell College Healthcare Academy (HCA).
Program Overview
- Hands-on science experiments
- Fun physical activities like dance, theater, and athletics
- Field trips to Mitchell Woods and Mitchell Beach
- Small group sizes for personalized learning
- Engaging weekly themes like Sensory Science: The Five Senses and Environmental Science & Wellness
Program Dates
Program Times
Monday–Thursday: 9:00am–3:00pm
Friday: 9:00am–12:30pm
Location
Mitchell College Campus, 437 Pequot Avenue, New London
Participants
Rising 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders
Program Capacity: 20 students per week (limited spots available!)
- A Group: 6th and 7th graders (10 students)
- B Group: 8th and 9th graders (10 students)
SAMPLE WEEKLY THEMES
Week One
The Five Senses — Explore the Science of Seeing, Hearing, Touch, Taste & Smell
Week Two
Environmental Science & Wellness — Discover healthy living & our natural world!
2025 Program Schedule
Program Hours
Aftercare Hours
2025 Program Cost
Cost per Session
Aftercare Fee
Program FAQs
Q: Who can participate in the Health Care Academy?
A: The program is open to rising 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders in New London County schools.
Q: Can my child attend just one week?
A: Yes! Families can register for either one week or both weeks. Each week offers a different science theme and experience.
Q: What does the cost cover?
A: The cost covers all programming, supplies for activities, and field trips. Students should bring their own lunch each day.
Q: Is aftercare available?
A: Aftercare until 5:00 PM Monday–Thursday is available for an additional fee. More details will be provided closer to the start date based on family interest.
Q: What should my child bring?
A: Students should bring a bagged lunch, a reusable water bottle, comfortable clothes for movement, and lots of curiosity!
Q: Who will teach and supervise the program?
A: Classes will be coordinated by college faculty and staff, with support from trained mentors to ensure a safe and engaging environment.
Sample Schedule
Monday–Thursday |
Activity |
|
9:00–9:30am
|
Morning Welcome and Icebreakers
|
|
9:30–11:30am
|
Science Focus and Hands-on Experiments
|
| 11:30am–Noon | Mentoring Session |
| Noon–1:00pm | Lunch (students bring their own) |
|
1:00–2:30pm
|
Dance, DJ Sessions, Theater, Arts or Athletics
|
|
2:30–3:00pm
|
Reflection & Dismissal
|
Fridays |
Special field trips — including outdoor explorations at Mitchell Woods and Mitchell Beach!
|
