Hampton City Schools receives $37,500 Virginia Department of Education grant to enhance health sciences learning at Bethel High School

Hampton City Schools has received a $37,500 grant from the Virginia Department of Education to support the purchase of updated equipment for the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy labs lthat will be ocated in the new science wing at Bethel High School. The investment will expand hands-on learning opportunities for students enrolled in health sciences career and technical education (CTE) programs and Governor’s Health Sciences Academy courses.

 

According to Seth Black, director of career and technical education for Hampton City Schools, healthcare remains a high-demand and rapidly growing industry across the Greater Peninsula region, particularly in nursing and allied health professions. Approximately 750 students each year will benefit from access to the upgraded simulation lab, where they will participate in repeated skills practice, scenario-based simulations, and preparation for clinical rotations and industry certifications.

 

The enhanced lab environment will provide students with practical experience aligned with certified nursing assistant (CNA) and allied health career pathways while helping build the professional skills needed for postsecondary education and workforce success. The resources are designed to strengthen career readiness and better align student experiences with regional healthcare workforce needs.

 

“In anticipation of HCS Bethel High School’s new science wing where health science will be located, we are excited about the grant to help purchase updated equipment to keep teaching in the health science simulation lab relevant and engaging for our students,” said health service and education nurse aide program coordinator Kathleen May.

 

The new equipment will help create a more realistic healthcare training environment, preparing students for future careers in one of the region’s most essential and fastest-growing industries.