District plans application for catalyst grant to launch healthcare careers academy with Intermountain

Murray School District staff told the board Oct. 2 they intend to apply for state "catalyst" funding to form a healthcare careers academy at Murray High School in partnership with Intermountain Medical Center, Talent Ready Utah and Salt Lake Community College.

The superintendent said the district is pursuing the grant to create early career pathways that can award students a "first credential" and noted the district's geographic advantage: Intermountain Medical Center, the largest hospital in the state and a level-1 trauma center, sits within the district. District staff named candidate credentials under consideration, including certified nursing assistant (CNA), radiology technician and behavioral health technician.

Stakeholders listed include Murray City School District staff, Intermountain Healthcare representatives, Talent Ready Utah and Salt Lake Community College; the district said the application development team is working on where the academy would be housed and what internships, apprenticeships or simulation experiences could look like. The superintendent said the district has not yet requested any formal board approvals tied to staffing or facilities but will return with concrete proposals if the grant is awarded.

Board members praised the proposal and noted similar local programs can broaden postsecondary and career options for students.

No formal vote was required on the grant application intent at this meeting.