By Alissa Wisniewski
Contributor

City College has joined San Diego State University and Sharp Healthcare in developing a middle college program with a medical emphasis.

This program will allow students to take health courses at City while completing their high school education. By enrolling in these courses, students will accumulate college credit.

Students will also learn how their high school curriculum can prepare them for their future.

“Students can connect coursework to relevant needs in the community,” said Ian Pumpian, an SDSU professor and the new school’s chief education officer.

Pumpian contacted City’s Vice President Ron Manzoni about joining the project because City has a “reputation of commitment to high school students.”

Manzoni felt that the inclusion of City in this project “seemed a natural partnership.” City has previously supported middle college programs at Garfield and Mark Twain high schools.

The early exposure to college may also encourage students to continue their education after graduating high school. By focusing on a specific career path, students will see that their high school education can be relevant to their future.

There is currently a high demand for medically trained members of the work force. This school can provide students the information and skills they need to pursue this type of career.

Manzoni does not believe the additional workload will discourage students from attending the school.

“It may be an attraction to students to be a part of a high school with a health sciences emphasis,” said Manzoni.

The plan for the school was approved Feb. 27 with a four to one vote by the San Diego Unified School District and will open fall 2007 for freshman and sophomores.

The campus for Health Sciences High School will be in La Mesa, at the former Coleman College location. Informational meetings for interested parents and students should be held later this year.