The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) announced a multiyear partnership that establishes UTMB as the anchor healthcare partner for Victory Lakes Intermediate's (VLI) new STREAM of Innovation program, which features a Medical Science focus.
The collaboration gives VLI students early, real-world exposure to health science and health care careers beginning as early as sixth grade.
“UTMB is helping bring our district’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan into sharp focus through career exploration in health sciences for our students at Victory Lakes Intermediate,” Superintendent of Schools Karen Engle, EdD, said. “This investment and partnership are how we turn innovation and curiosity into a clear path forward for our students.”
For UTMB, the partnership represents an investment in the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“Building the health care workforce of tomorrow starts by introducing students today to the many careers that improve the lives of patients,” said David Vines, PhD, senior vice president and dean of the UTMB School of Health Professions. “That early exposure can spark curiosity, broaden what students see as possible, and create pathways to careers in the health professions. This partnership reflects the university’s commitment to investing in our communities and strengthening the workforce our region will depend on for years to come.”
A pathway built around real-world experience
Victory Lakes Intermediate is one of four schools in CCISD's STREAM of Innovation initiative, an integrated approach to intermediate education spanning space, technology, robotics, engineering, arts, and medicine.
VLI's pathway is centered on medical science, and the UTMB partnership is designed to bring that focus to life for students through:
- Allied Health coursework introducing students to a broad range of healthcare professions
- Guest speakers and healthcare career presentations from UTMB faculty and clinicians
- Curriculum consultation from UTMB subject matter experts to keep instruction aligned with real healthcare practice
- Hands-on learning experiences, including simulation technology and health sciences lab activities
- Public health awareness initiatives, such as Teen CPR and emergency preparedness education
- Campus visits and educational field trips to UTMB facilities for students
- Professional learning opportunities for VLI teachers to strengthen health science instruction
- Investment in VLI’s Health Science Learning Lab Building the Regional Health Care Workforce of Tomorrow
The partnership reflects shared goals for both organizations: inspiring students to explore health science careers, connecting classroom learning to real-world applications, and building a vertically aligned pathway that leads from VLI to CCISD's high school health science programs and on to postsecondary opportunities.
For UTMB, the collaboration advances its education, workforce development, and community engagement missions while helping strengthen the region’s future healthcare workforce.