Aurora Public Schools Foundation Awarded $15,000 Grant from UCHealth to Support Student Healthcare Career Exploration
Aurora, Colo. — The Aurora Public Schools (APS) Foundation has received a $15,000 grant from UCHealth to
expand healthcare career exploration opportunities for APS students over the 2026-27 school year. In
partnership with the APS College, Career and Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Team, the grant will fund
hands-on exploratory learning experiences for 8th-grade students and support the continued expansion of APS’
Summer Bridge Program. These work-based learning opportunities include healthcare facility tours, simulations,
career panels, first aid certifications, and opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals. Students will be
introduced to healthcare professions such as nursing, behavioral health, respiratory therapy, medical imaging, and
surgical technology while learning about healthcare pathways available across APS, including opportunities at the
new Health Sciences High School opening in fall 2027.
This grant will build on UCHealth’s continued support for expanding healthcare career learning opportunities for
APS students. “We are proud to partner with Aurora Public Schools to provide students with meaningful,
hands-on experiences that bring healthcare careers to life,” said Christina Hixson, UCHealth senior director of
community partnerships. “UCHealth’s community grant program supports initiatives that address local health
needs. This investment strengthens opportunities for the young people in our community and helps cultivate the
healthcare workforce our communities will rely on in the future.” Over the past two years, funding through
UCHealth’s Community Grant Program supported 340 APS students through high school healthcare career
exploration visits, training and certification opportunities, and career-connected Summer Bridge programming.
Aurora Public Schools and the APS Foundation believe in the power of providing workforce readiness
opportunities for students in all stages of their education. “We are dedicated to seeing students truly thrive:
building up confidence and skills through valuable work-based experiences. UCHealth is a tremendous partner
helping students explore various career fields and see real-world applications of their education.” says Jill Ruiter,
Executive Director of the APS Foundation.
About Aurora Public Schools Foundation
The Aurora Public Schools Foundation provides supplemental funding and resources to support possibility becoming reality for every APS student. APS Foundation’s programs are both longstanding in evidence and responsive to accommodate the shifting needs of our community. The organization prioritizes programs that benefit students overcoming obstacles by addressing key barriers, increasing postsecondary readiness among students, and closing opportunity gaps. Their Mission is to cultivate community investment to enrich student opportunity.
In partnership with APS, APS Foundation is focused on expanding career-connected learning programming for APS students, aligned with the Colorado Department of Education’s goal that every graduating high school student has at least obtained one of the following: 12 college credits, an industry-recognized credential, or a work-based learning experience. To learn more about or support APS Foundation’s programs, please visit their website: www.educateaurora.org.
About Aurora Public Schools
In partnership with the community, APS accelerates learning for all students to develop the knowledge, skills and character necessary to shape successful futures. Every day, the school district works with the community to break down barriers so that students can engage to their fullest potential and shape their own paths forward.
Aurora Public Schools is on a journey to become THE Destination District in Colorado through their strategic plan, Destination APS. The plan is focused on safety, quality talent, building a collaborative and inclusive community, academic achievement and postsecondary readiness. Learn more at www.aurorak12.org.
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Jordan Davis
Marketing & Communications Specialist
College, Career and Postsecondary Workforce Readiness
303.344.4910 ext. 27742 | [email protected]