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Project SHIFT

What is Project SHIFT?

Project SHIFT (SCC Health Initiative for Teens) was created in 2023 with a grant from the Dogwood Health Trust. It seeks to advance education and science by exposing high school students to health science programs. Our goal is to develop a highschool-to-healthcare pipeline for local students wanting to pursue a career in health sciences in our region.

What services are provided?

Project SHIFT works with area schools to identify students with an interest in health sciences, bring health science programs into schools with mobile learning labs, organize field trips to SCC, and foster a community commitment to providing healthcare in our region. 

Students in the SHIFT Pipeline can access opportunities like SCC’s Health Sciences Summer Camp, conferences through SCC and MAHEC, volunteer service, internships and other health science events in western North Carolina.  SHIFT helps students select the best-fitting health sciences program for their career interests and skills. The program provides aid for the TEAS test with preparation and funding, and supports students throughout the application process. One student from each of our 16 programs will be offered an Ambassador Scholarship, sharing their experiences with those still in the SHIFT pipeline.


For more information about Project SHIFT, contact Liz Parsons at e_parsons@SouthwesternCC.edu or 828-339-4037.

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