The Central San Joaquin Valley

Fresno, Madera, Kings, and Tulare counties face significant healthcare challenges, including workforce shortages and disparities in access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care. These issues are especially pronounced in rural and underserved areas where poverty and limited educational opportunities create barriers to pursuing health careers. Despite these challenges, the region holds immense potential to develop a diverse healthcare workforce that can address these gaps and improve access and outcomes for its communities. Through collaborative partnerships, we hope to foster future health professionals who are deeply connected and committed to serving their home communities here in Central California.

 

Meet the UCSF Fresno K-16 Team

 

 

Our Partners

We collaborate with five school districts serving thousands of students to enhance health educational pathways and workforce development. Together, we focus on strengthening Health Pathways programs to inspire and prepare students for fulfilling careers in the healthcare industry.

                              

 
                                          

 

 

We also partnered with two organizations to support workforce development through internships, training, and career preparation opportunities. 

 

 

Futuro Health provide upskilling and training opportunities in allied health fields. By focusing on equity and access, Futuro Health helps students and adult learners prepare for high-demand healthcare roles, building a diverse workforce for the region.

https://futurohealth.org/

Health Career Connections offer paid internships and career development programs for underrepresented students. These real-world healthcare experiences empower future leaders to succeed in the healthcare industry while supporting workforce diversity.

https://www.healthcareers.org/

 

 

 

The Fresno-Madera K-16 Collaborative

In 2022, the California State University Fresno Foundation, on behalf of the Fresno-Madera K-16 Collaborative (FMK16C), was awarded $18.13 million through the California Regional K-16 Education Collaborative Grants Program. Funded by a $250 million appropriation in the 2021 Budget Act, this initiative prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by linking education and workforce development to provide equitable career pathways. Originally part of the Governor’s Council on Postsecondary Education and Fresno DRIVE, FMK16C aims to close racial and socioeconomic equity gaps and now serves as the programmatic and fiscal lead for the Central San Joaquin Valley K-16 Partnership, in collaboration with the Tulare-Kings College + Career Collaborative. Learn more about their mission and pathways here or by visiting their website: https://www.fresnomaderahigheredforall.org/.