HCC Philadelphia –

Jefferson was initiated in 2008 as a partnership between the Sidney
Kimmel Medical College chapter of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) and Esperanza Academy Charter School. In 2017, the program grew to include Chester Charter Scholars Academy.

The faculty sponsor of the program at the medical school is Dr. Ronald Hall, Assistant Dean of Diversity and Student Diversity Programs, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College.

The High School Program Leader at Esperanza Academy Charter School is Mr. Kait Sweeny, under the leadership of Jorge Calixto, Director of Instruction.

The High School Program Leader at Chest Charter Scholars Academy is Ms. Christine Ellis, under the leadership of Akosua Watts, Head of School/CEO.

In 2022, the Sidney Kimmel Medical College chapters of Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society and the Gold Humanism Honors Society, in partnership with HCC Jefferson, were pleased to launch a $500 scholarship to help defray the costs of attending college and affording various school supplies.

Efforts to expand the involvement between medical and high school students are ongoing and include but are not limited to: basic hands-on clinical skills trainings, mentorship opportunities, and essay writing workshops.