TGH North Hospitals Launch Transformative Partnerships with Citrus and Hernando County Schools to Advance Health Career Education

The student-first partnerships create pathways for future employment to ensure consistent

world-class health care in the Nature Coast.  

Tampa, FL (September 8, 2025) – Tampa General Hospital (TGH) North is proud to announce two groundbreaking partnerships with the Citrus and Hernando County school systems to expand health career education and workforce development opportunities for local students. These multi-year agreements represent a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of health care professionals across the region.

Through a combined investment of more than $600,000 over three years, the hospitals that make up TGH North — TGH Crystal River, TGH Brooksville and TGH Spring Hill — will provide both direct funding and in-kind support to the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School, the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), the Health Science Academies at Hernando County Schools and the Hernando County Education Foundation (HCEF). Programming support includes hands-on clinical experiences, exposure to advanced technology, scholarship support, medical equipment donations and professional attire.

“This initiative is about more than funding — it’s about creating real pathways for students to explore and pursue careers in health care,” said Jennifer Siem, Senior Director of Strategic Growth and Governmental Affairs at TGH North. “By investing in these programs, we’re not only supporting education — we’re building a future-ready workforce that reflects the needs and values of our region. We’re proud to stand alongside Citrus and Hernando County Schools in this mission.”

In Citrus County, the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School stands out as one of Florida’s few high school-based health care academies, featuring a multi-station patient care simulation lab, full dental office, multiple chemistry and biology labs and plans for a radiology room.

“TGH’s investment in our school district will have a meaningful impact on students and schools over the three-year commitment,” said Dr. Scott Hebert, Superintendent of Citrus County Schools. “This is not just an investment in our Academy of Health Careers students but in the next generation of health care professionals needed in Citrus County. Citrus County has the third-oldest population of residents in the state, making the need for qualified health care professionals essential. The Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School and Citrus County Schools, through its partnership with TGH North, will be better equipped to help meet these growing needs. We are grateful to both Tampa General and its CEO John Couris, who personally championed this initiative, along with Citrus County School Board Member Thomas Kennedy, for bringing this vision to fruition. We also thank the Citrus County Education Foundation and its Executive Director, Shaunda Burdette, for working with Tampa General Hospital to bring this special program to the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School.”

In Hernando County, the Health Science Academies will benefit from similar enhancements, with branding and programming integrated across multiple campuses.

Ray Pinder, Superintendent of Hernando County Schools, added: “We are grateful that Tampa General Hospital has invested in our students and district and honored that they have decided to partner with us in the longstanding tradition of giving back to Hernando. Through our joint ventures striving toward excellence, we will make a lasting impact together.”

The collaboration between the health system and the school districts reflects a shared commitment to educating and nurturing the next generation of health care professionals, understanding that careers in the industry extend beyond traditional clinical and bedside roles to include administration, culinary, environmental, architectural design and cyber security.

TGH North includes Tampa General Hospital’s Brooksville, Spring Hill and Crystal River campuses, along with a growing network of ambulatory care centers and specialty clinics serving communities across Citrus and Hernando counties. These facilities provide high-quality, accessible care and are part of TGH’s broader mission to heal, teach, and innovate for everyone, every day.