Submit Your Application for PHCA, Cohort 9

Pathway to Health Careers Academy (PHCA)

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Pathway to Health Careers Academy (PHCA) at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU). We’re excited to support you as you take an important step toward a future career in healthcare.

PHCA is a comprehensive, year-long program designed to prepare 40 high school rising juniors and seniors from SPA 6 and underserved communities in SPA 8 (Inglewood, Hawthorne, Gardena, Carson, and Wilmington) for careers in public health, mental health, and behavioral health.

Program Structure

Student Onboarding: April 2026
Summer Academy (July–August 2026 | 4 weeks):

- Two college-level courses
- SAT preparation
Community-Based Internship: July 6 – December 31, 2026
Hands-on experience in healthcare and community-based settings
Fall Sessions:

- Mental health enrichment workshops
- College preparation support
Mentorship & Tutoring: October 2026 – May 2027
Winter Session:

- Public health enrichment workshops
- Rites of Passage course
Program Culmination: May 2027

Who Should Apply
PHCA serves students who are:

- Rising juniors and seniors (current sophomores and juniors) during the 2025–2026 school year
- Maintaining a GPA between 2.0 and 3.5
- Underperforming academically or considered at-risk
- From underrepresented communities in higher education

Priority consideration is given to:

- Transitional-Aged Youth (TAY)
- Students with lived experience in mental or behavioral health

- Students committed to serving their communities

What You’ll Gain

- Two college-level courses offered at no cost

- One-on-one and group mentorship
- Academic tutoring and individualized support
- Specialized workshops in mental health, public health, and healthcare careers
- Real-world internship experience
- College and career readiness support

Program Outcome:
PHCA participants graduate with stronger college applications, valuable professional experience, and the skills needed to become competitive candidates for higher education and healthcare-related careers.

Learn More
Visit:
https://www.cdrewu.edu/community/cdu-pathways-and-school-partnership-programs/pathways-to-health-careers-academy/

Email:
phca@cdrewu.edu

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* 1. First and Last Name

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* 2. Applicant's phone number:

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* 3. Applicant's Email Address:

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* 4. What is your current address of residence?

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* 5. What is your gender?

Female

Male

Non-binary/Third gender

Prefer not to answer

Other (please specify)

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* 6. What is your age?

Other (please specify)

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* 7. What is your ethnicity?

Hispanic or Latino

Non-Hispanic or Latino

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* 8. What is your race?

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian or Asian American

Black or African American

Middle Eastern or North African

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

White

Other (please specify)

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* 9. What language(s) do you speak at home?

English

Spanish

Mandarin

Arabic

French

Prefer not to answer

Other (please specify)

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* 10. Do you have any food allergies?

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* 11. Please select your T-shirt size:

XXL

XXXL

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* 12. What is the name of the high school you currently attend?

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* 13. What is your school address?

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* 14. What the name of your current high school counselor?

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* 15. What is your counselor's email?

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* 16. What is your current grade level?

Rising Junior (currently a 10th grader)

Rising Senior (currently an 11th grader)

Other (please specify)

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* 17. What is your current Grade Point Average (GPA)?

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* 18. Are you enrolled in any advanced or honors courses?

Yes, Advanced Placement (AP)

Yes, International Baccalaureate (IB)

Yes, Honors Classes

Other (please specify)

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* 19. Are you interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field?

Yes, I am very interested

Yes, I am somewhat interested

No, I am not interested

I am unsure

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* 20. Which healthcare careers are you most interested in?

Doctor/Physician

Nurse

Pharmacist

Physical Therapist

Radiologic Technologist

Medical Researcher

Medical Laboratory Technician

Public Health

Mental Health

Behavioral Health

I am unsure

Other (please specify)

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* 21. What is the approximate annual household income for your family?

Below $25,000

$25,000 - $49,999

$50,000 - $74,999

$75,000 - $99,999

$100,000 and above

Prefer not to answer

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* 22. Will you be the first person in your immediate family to attend college?

Yes

I am not sure

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* 23. Have you participated in any similar academic or college readiness programs in the past?

Yes

I am not sure

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* 24. This program is a year-long commitment. Are you available to fully participate for the entire duration?

Yes, I am available

No, I may have scheduling conflicts

I am unsure

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* 25. Do you currently have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or receive other educational support services?

Yes

I am not sure

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* 26. Do you have any other special needs or accommodations that may require additional support or resources during the program?

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* 27. Do you have personal experience with mental health challenges, either on your own or from supporting a family member or close friend?

Yes

Unsure

Prefer not to answer

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* 28. Why are you interested in pursuing a career in healthcare?

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* 29. Have you had any prior experience in healthcare, such as volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals?

Yes, I have volunteer/work experience in healthcare

Yes, I have shadowed healthcare professionals

No, I have not had any experience in healthcare

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* 30. What do you hope to gain from participating in the Pathways to Health Careers Academy?

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* 31. Do you understand the time commitment required for this year-long program, and are you prepared to dedicate the necessary time and effort to complete it?

Yes, I understand and am committed

No, I do not understand the time commitment

I am unsure

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* 32. Parent/Guardian information if applicant is under 18 years old.

Parent/Guardian Name

Parent/Guardian email

Parent/Guardian phone number

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* 33. How did you hear about this program?

School Counselor

Teacher

Family/Friends

Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)

Program Website

Other (please specify)

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* 34. If you choose School Counselor, Teacher, or Family/Friends. Please provide us the name of the individual.

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* 35.
Media Release Acknowledgment
By submitting this application, you acknowledge that participation in the Pathway to Health Careers Academy (PHCA) requires consent for media recording. As part of the program, you will be captured in video, audio, and photograph format for promotional, educational, and program-related purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, brochures, and presentations.

Consent is mandatory for program participation. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must also provide consent on your behalf. Failure to provide this consent will result in your inability to participate in the program.

Please note: This acknowledgment is to inform you of the requirement. A formal media consent form will be sent to you (and your parent/guardian if you are under 18) once you are accepted into the program. Both you and your parent/guardian (if applicable) must sign and return the consent form before you can begin the program.

Do you understand and acknowledge this requirement?

Yes, I understand that media consent is required and I am willing to provide it (along with parent/guardian consent if I am under 18).

No, I do not agree to provide media consent and understand this means I cannot participate in the program.

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* 36. By signing your name below, you acknowledge that all the information provided in this application is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge.