Recently, Berkeley Medical Center and Berkeley County Schools announced the inaugural class for the MedEd program, a two-year initiative aimed at introducing high school students to healthcare careers through job experience at WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center. Education leaders, students, and their families gathered for ceremonies at Martinsburg and Spring Mills High Schools to celebrate this partnership with the Education Alliance.
WVU Medicine Vice President of Human Resources, Justin Ruble, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “We are thrilled to collaborate with our partners in introducing students to healthcare careers. This program will provide knowledge and real-world experience, setting students on a path to success in a specific field. We believe that by fostering this early interest and support, we can inspire the next generation of compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals who will make a positive impact serving those in our community.”
Dr. Ryan Saxe, Berkeley County Schools Superintendent, emphasized the program’s value: “We are pleased to work with our partners to open pathways for students across the state. Programs such as these increase student success because they combine real-world experience with classroom learning. Students are able to cast a vision for their future while gaining a range of skills necessary to successfully pursue their journey. The MedEd program is what industry and education working together looks like, and our students will reap the benefits of this partnership for years to come.”
The MedEd program will begin in the 2025-2026 school year. Students will engage in health science learning at both their schools and Berkeley Medical Center. The initiative is inspired by a manufacturing program from Toyota Motor Manufacturing and developed through collaboration within the educational community.
Dr. Amelia Courts, President and CEO of The Education Alliance, stated: “The future is bright in our state and there are so many healthcare career opportunities. Today’s Signing Day spotlights how the MedEd program will enable Berkeley County students to develop the professional and technical skills they need to be successful. We are grateful to WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center Network and Berkeley County Schools for their partnership and commitment to equipping our students for a bright future.”
