From Oakland Youth to Oakland Healthcare: Building Pathways into the Health Professions
“Pathway building programs like the ones we have at SMU help expose underrepresented youth to different types of healthcare careers, while also giving them tangible tools they can bring back to their communities around health advocacy”, says Allyson Emmarene, the CCE/EHI’s Program Manager for Pathway Initiatives & Community Engagement.
They also create a tangible pathway into the University itself. "When we talk about enrollment, workforce development and community engagement, we shouldn't think of them as separate goals," Emmarene says. "Octavia [Ontiveros] and Vinh [Tran] show what happens when those pieces connect.”
That cycle matters, especially in Oakland, where SMU has educated health professionals for more than a century, and healthcare worker shortages remain a pressing issue. Ontiveros describes her own journey as coming "full circle," from an Oakland high school student learning about nursing from SMU students, to being a nursing student herself helping other young people explore the same path. She hopes eventually to become a doctorally prepared midwife and open a birth center and women's health clinic serving families, particularly those who have historically been overlooked or underserved.
Her story, like Tran's, illustrates the long-term return on an investment that may begin with something as simple as a field trip. "SMU being rooted in Oakland involves more than just having a building downtown," Alavi says. "It means creating opportunities for Oakland's youth to see themselves at places like SMU, supporting them as they pursue those goals, and helping them bring their skills and leadership back into the community."
“Partnerships between organizations like FACES and health sciences institutions like SMU are essential because they help create a continuum of support that extends from early career exploration through professional education and beyond. FACES provides critical early exposure to healthcare careers, experiential learning, academic enrichment, and mentorship that help young people discover their potential, develop confidence, and establish professional aspirations. Institutions like SMU build upon that foundation by providing access to advanced education, professional training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement,” explains Magaña. “Ultimately, Vinh’s success demonstrates what becomes possible when institutions make a long-term, collective commitment to investing in the potential of young people.”
For some youth, a field trip to SMU, a summer with the FACES Summer Medical Academy, or mentorship from students and faculty may ignite interest in pursuing a healthcare career. For SMU students like Ontiveros and Tran, it became a pathway home.
Learn more about SMU’s Pathway Building Programs in the CCE 5 year Report.
Learn more about FACES for the Future.
