Education is the cornerstone to success. Orange County United Way is committed to making sure every child in our county has access to the quality education they deserve.

The goal of the education component of our communitywide action plan – FACE 2024 – is to cut the high school dropout rate in half.  Through the introduction of early education programs and inspiring youth with innovative teaching and learning tools, we are fostering the next wave of future leaders.

One program funded and supported by Orange County United Way is inspiring high school students to pursue careers in the healthcare industry.

With the financial support of United Way, Garden Grove High School and Los Amigos High School have introduced Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) chapters on campus.

HOSA is a national organization dedicated to empowering young learners to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration and experience. HOSA helps students develop leadership and technical skill competencies and understand current health care issues, and provides hands-on learning experiences through project-based learning in the classroom.

More than 25 local students have joined the HOSA chapters, excited for the opportunity to learn more about the healthcare industry and the different career paths within it.

The participating students were given the opportunity to attend a statewide HOSA conference on April 6^th in Anaheim where they participated in workshops, networking events and competed against fellow HOSA chapters in Emergency Responder training.

Programs, like HOSA, help improve student engagement in the classroom and instill a passion for careers in growing STEM fields, something United Way is passionate about supporting.

The HOSA program gives students an in-depth look at what a career in science or healthcare might be like, as well as an opportunity to make meaningful connections with industry professionals. By strategically supporting the HOSA chapters coupled with United Way’s Youth Career Connections Classroom Speakers, United Way is transforming the classroom experience. The impact of these early learning experiences help guide Orange County students down a successful college-to-career pathway.

Students at Garden Grove and Los Amigos High Schools interested in joining HOSA, please see your Med Core teacher.

If you are in the health industry and would like to volunteer, join as a career speaker, participate in a teacher learning panel, host a student intern next year, or to learn more, contact Paulina at 949.263.6132 or via email.