The Takeaway

On September 16, the President of Barnes-Jewish Hospital and The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital stood before a crowd of over 200 attendees at BELIEVE St. Louis Academy’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official launch of this groundbreaking health sciences high school. This moment celebrated the beginning of a new chapter in healthcare education for St. Louis, as BELIEVE St. Louis Academy stands apart as an early college high school focused on health sciences, where students begin earning career-ready certifications as early as their freshman year. This unique model not only prepares students for healthcare career pathways while still in high school but also ensures students obtain access to those careers while remaining debt-free.

BELIEVE St. Louis Academy opened its doors on August 12, starting the year fully enrolled with 125 students with a queue for available spots. Currently incubating in a temporary space near Central Baptist Church, BELIEVE St. Louis Academy is set to move into its permanent home next to Harris-Stowe State University next year, doubling its space to accommodate 300 students, establishing a long-term presence for this innovative program.

It’s easy to see why BELIEVE is attracting families. It’s a unique approach to hands-on learning, partnering with St. Louis Community College and BJC HealthCare. Despite the city’s declining population of families, parents choose BELIEVE for its strong curriculum and real-world training, where students learn directly from professionals at BJC’s Goldfarb School of Nursing and in advanced simulation labs equipped with state-of-the-art patient care technology.

“Together, BJC and BELIEVE are ideal partners, making each other better and benefiting everyone in our community through collaboration. Not just here, where it physically produces, but in and across our community,” said Dr. Steven Player, BJC HealthCare Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

“By combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, these specialized healthcare high schools will prepare students for careers with opportunities for growth and advancement. While healthcare providers continue to face persistent labor challenges, it is crucial that we develop innovative partnerships to respond to the challenges of today and invest in the healthcare leaders of tomorrow,” said Jenny Kane, Program Lead of Career and Technical Education for Bloomberg Philanthropies.

This unique partnership with BJC HealthCare and Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing allows BELIEVE St. Louis Academy students the opportunity to earn their patient care technician (PCT) certification by the end of their freshman year. “That’s unheard of across the country. No other partner that has received this investment across the country is like this. St. Louis is trailblazing, said Derek May, Community Health Philanthropy Manager, The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. The patient care tech certification is the foundation for all healthcare careers that students can enter directly after graduation.

As part of their curriculum, Believe students receive hands-on training from Goldfarb School of Nursing staff, starting as early as freshman year. They practice skills like monitoring vital signs, assisting with procedures, and providing patient care, preparing them for paid internships by junior year and in-demand careers at BJC hospitals. As they advance, students build a foundation in six healthcare pathways: clinical lab sciences, respiratory care, radiologic technology, nursing, surgical-related services, and professional support. This built-in certification is also designed to save students thousands of dollars in tuition cost, as they become certified and will be on track for associates degrees by high school graduation.

“My daughter wants to be a NICU RN because she’s a NICU baby,” said Kenya Conner, a parent at BELIEVE. “It’s amazing just to be in a room with people that look like me, that have great careers, all these people that are here and actually care and are pouring so much into not only my child but the other kids that go here.”

National funder Bloomberg Philanthropies has supported this partnership with a seed investment that made this innovative experience possible for students across St. Louis City. The Opportunity Trust played a pivotal role in facilitating and bringing this special partnership to life.

As The Opportunity Trust continues to find ways to collaborate with leading organizations like BJC Healthcare and Bloomberg Philanthropies, we are bringing new ideas and resources to St. Louis. BELIEVE St. Louis Academy is a shining example of how transformative partnerships can be, creating pathways for students to succeed in high-demand fields while uplifting the entire community.

“The impact of BELIEVE Academy on our community cannot be overstated. “This creates a ripple effect, stronger families, healthier communities, and a more equitable future for St. Louis,” Eric continued. “Looking ahead, we’re focused on growth both for the school and its students. We’re committed to expanding the impact of BELIEVE Academy, ensuring that this model can continue to evolve and serve more students across the region.”

Learn more about BELIEVE St. Louis Academy, its partners, and Bloomberg Philanthropies’ investments by checking out their website. Together, we are building a brighter future for education in St. Louis.