The Maine Department of Education announced Aug. 25 that Marshwood will receive a $224,882 Maine Career Pathways grant to establish a health care career pathway at Marshwood High School.
The district will use the funding to help Marshwood High School students earn health care credentials and gain clinical experience.
The grant will support pre-apprenticeship programs in fields such as radiology and phlebotomy. Students could graduate prepared to enter the workforce directly or continue their education.
“This award supports our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that help every student discover a path to a successful future,” MSAD 35 Superintendent Caroline Arakelian said. “We’re proud to continue building strong partnerships that connect learning with the needs of our community. The new healthcare pathway will help students develop the confidence, skills and experiences they need to thrive in the medical field after graduation.”
The new pathway will build on one-year health care experiences available at Sanford Regional Technical Center. It will also expand Marshwood’s Extended Learning Opportunities program, giving more students a route to initial certifications and hands-on clinical experience before graduation.
Participants will complete core coursework, earn technical credentials, and take part in work-based training at health care facilities in York County.
“We are excited about the opportunities that a robust healthcare pathway will provide for our students,” MSAD 35 Assistant Superintendent Heidi Early-Hersey said in the state’s announcement. “We are happy to be contributing to continued workforce development in Maine.”
The pathway is the first proposed by Marshwood under the Maine Career Pathways initiative. It is intended for students considering a range of health care careers, from occupations requiring an industry credential to professions requiring advanced education.
Implementation is planned during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. The district will share more information about eligibility, enrollment and specific program opportunities as those details are finalized.
Students interested in current Extended Learning Opportunities can learn more about the program and how to begin the process on the Marshwood High School ELO website.