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
Summer HCA Rising Program
REGISTER NOW!
HCA Rising — Healthcare Academy Middle School Summer Program
About the Summer Academy
Healthcare Academy Rising at Mitchell College introduces middle school students to the exciting world of STEM and healthcare careers through hands-on exploration and active learning. Campers spend their mornings engaging in science-based experiments, interactive investigations, and problem-solving activities that connect real-world health topics to careers in medicine, research, and public health. Afternoons focus on movement, teamwork, and fun through outdoor games, recreation, dance, and other physical activities.
This program offers flexible enrollment options — students may register for one week or both weeks for a full two-week experience. Each week features a theme that guides learning and discovery.
Program Overview
- Hands-on STEM experiments and science exploration
- Introduction to healthcare and medical careers
- Mentorship from Mitchell College students and educators
- Interactive team-based challenges and investigations
- Daily outdoor recreation and movement activities
- Opportunities to build curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking
Location
Mitchell College Campus, 437 Pequot Avenue, New London
Participants
Camper Ages: 6th, 7th, 8th graders
Sample Weekly Themes
Week One: Inside the Human Body
Explore how the body works by learning about organs, body systems, and the science that keeps us healthy.
Week 2: Medical Detectives
Investigate health mysteries, learn how doctors diagnose illness, and explore the role of science in solving medical problems.
2026 Program Schedule
Week 2 Option: July 13–17
2-Week Option: July 6–17
Camp Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00am–3:00pm
Friday (half day): 9:00am–12:30pm
Aftercare Hours
Monday–Thursday: 3:00–5:00pm
Friday (half day): No aftercare
2026 Program Cost
Cost per Session
Aftercare Fee
Registration Deadline
10 days before start of the camp you are registering for
Refund Policy
- Full refund minus $25 cancellation fee (per camp) through May 31
- No refund after June 1
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!
|
HCA PROGRAM STAFF
Alicia Martinez, Ed.D., M.S.O.L.
Camp Director; Vice Provost for Student Success and Innovation; Dean of Student Experience and Belonging
Duques Center
860-701-7708
martinez_a@mitchell.edu
Jill A. Engel-Hellman, M.Ed.
Associate Camp Director; Assistant Dean for Student Life; Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct
Duques Center 211
860-701-5045
engelhellman_j@mitchell.edu
Isabel Foley
Lead Counselor
Gary Jost
Director of First Aid
