San Marcos Health Careers Academy Students Secure Guaranteed Admission to Westmont
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – For San Marcos Health Careers Academy students, college just got a little closer.
“So we’re very excited that Westmont College has seen what we’re doing in the Health careers academy and decided they wanna partner with us,” said principal Dare Holdren of San Marcos High School.
The new partnership guarantees admission for students who meet program requirements.
Each eligible graduate also earns at least a $15,000 scholarship toward tuition.
“I was really excited because it gives first gen’s an opportunity and opportunity to begin their opportunity at San Marcos and then at Westmont,” said student Ashley Garcia of San Marcos High School.
“It’s a huge deal. I think it’s so important because it’s making direct connections to an amazing local school that will just continue to open up Local doors for them in regards to careers,” said health careers academy coordinator Emily Stokes of San Marcos High School.
School administrators believe this program will strengthens the healthcare workforce while inspiring the next generation.
“My hope is to be a nurse practitioner working at cottage or anywhere in this community,” said student Brianna Torres of San Marcos High School.
“My hope is we see more students seeing the option to pursue their dreams right here in their own backyard,” said senior director of admissions Mike McKinniss of Westmont College.
“It just makes me excited about all the connections and all the wonderful opportunities I’ll be able to create at Westmont,” said Garcia.
For these students, the future isn’t waiting—it’s already underway.
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