Hernando County Education Foundation partners with Tampa General Hospital to enhance healthcare education

The Hernando County School Board meeting on August 12, 2025, highlighted a significant partnership between the Hernando County Education Foundation and Tampa General Hospital (TGH) aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for local students pursuing careers in healthcare.

Beth Lastra, supervisor of college and career programs for the Hernando County School District, announced that TGH will contribute $150,000 in direct funding and an additional $150,000 in in-kind resources over the next three years. This partnership will support scholarships, events, and program enhancements for allied health, EKG, and pharmacy tech programs at Central, Springstead, and Nature Coast high schools.

Lastra emphasized that this collaboration will provide students with valuable experiences, including clinical shadowing, externships, guest speakers, and job preparation workshops. The initiative aims to create a pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals who will serve the local community.

Jennifer Syme, TGH's senior director of strategic growth and government affairs, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting its potential to create pathways for future employment in various healthcare fields beyond traditional roles. She highlighted the importance of nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals in Hernando County.

The board also approved various donations from the Hernando County Education Foundation, which recently received statewide recognition for its "Take Stock in Children" program, achieving a gold level award for its performance.

The meeting concluded with a check presentation, celebrating the partnership and the contributions of local educators involved in the allied health programs. The collaboration between the Hernando County School District and Tampa General Hospital marks a promising step towards strengthening education and workforce development in the region.