Everett High School’s Health Care Academy continues to grow, inspire and open doors for future caregivers
Everett High School is continuing to build a strong caregiving pathway for students, and this year’s Health Care Academy Open House on March 18 highlighted that progress. During the event, six students shared their “why,” demonstrated hands-on skills, and spoke with confidence about the futures they are working toward. Their stories, skills and professionalism made it clear that this program is preparing the next generation of caregivers with purpose and pride.
Enrollment in the program continues to grow.
· 2024–2025: 27 students enrolled.
· 2025–2026: Enrollment nearly doubled to 52 students.
Certification results remain strong:
· 2024–2025: 23 of 27 students earned their Home Care Aide credential.
· 2025–2026: 48 of 50 students completed their 75-hour certificate.
· February 3, 2026: 33 of 34 students passed their state exam.
· Remaining students will take the test in May.
Students also have the chance to continue their training through the Bridge to Nursing Assistant Certified program, offered March through June. Enrollment grew from 12 students last year to 29 this year — another sign of strong interest in health care careers.
One student shared a powerful story about her childhood experiences. She needed to visit the hospital often, and she remembered how the nurses always made her feel safe. It was never a scary place. That feeling stayed with her, and now she hopes to become a nurse so she can give other children the same comfort and care she received. She hopes to become a nurse one day, and she’s starting her caregiving journey in high school.
The program’s momentum can be traced back to a moment in 2025, when a student named Oliver told his teacher that “no one will hire someone under 18.” Some students in the program are minors, and this concern sparked the first Health Care Academy Open House. Members of the DSHS Workforce Development Team — Naomi Spector, Carly Seagren and Stacy Graff — met with employers to debunk the myth that all caregivers must be 18. While some settings do require it, home care agencies and assisted living facilities can hire younger caregivers. After that first event, Fedelta Home Care hired two students, including a minor student, after seeing the quality of training firsthand.
This year’s open house continued that spirit of partnership. Representatives from All Ways Caring, Catholic Community Services, The Cottages at Marysville, Serengeti Care and South Pointe attended to learn more about the program and meet students. All were invited to return to Everett High School’s upcoming Career Expo.
Fedelta Home Care could not attend this year, but they sent a letter describing their positive experience hiring Everett students. They highlighted how well-prepared students are, how quickly they learn electronic documentation and how flexible they can be with scheduling and travel.
Programs like this are also a smart investment for Washington taxpayers. When students earn their credential in high school, they can enter the workforce sooner, need less additional training, and are ready to fill critical caregiving roles in their own communities. It’s a practical, cost‑effective way to build a strong local workforce while giving students a meaningful career path.
This collaboration between Everett High School, employers and the Workforce Development Team is helping young caregivers begin using the skills they have worked hard to earn. These students bring energy, enthusiasm and a deep sense of purpose to the field. Their success shows what is possible when schools, partners and employers work together to open doors for the next generation of caregivers.
Please visit our website to learn more about the High School Home Care Aide Training Program.
