Future Forward Mentorship Program Connects OKCPS Students to Health Care Careers with OU Health

As health care workforce shortages continue nationwide, OU Health, Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS), and the OKCPS Foundation are taking action through Future Forward, a new mentorship initiative connecting high school seniors directly to career opportunities in health care.

The program’s first cohort was recognized April 29 during the Future Forward: Senior Career & Success Celebration at the Clara Luper Center, marking a year of planning, hands-on training, mentorship and career preparation. The event brought together more than 60 students and OU Health mentors to recognize growth, achievement and career readiness.

Future Forward pairs students with OU Health professionals who provide guidance in resume development, interview preparation and workplace expectations, while also offering direct exposure to clinical and nonclinical career paths.

The program culminated in a career fair and on-site interviews with OU Health recruiters and hiring managers — giving students immediate access to employment pathways and a chance to apply their skills in real time.

“This is about building tomorrow’s workforce today,” said Jimmy Duncan, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, OU Health Chief Human Resources Officer. “We’re not just introducing students to healthcare careers — we’re actively preparing them to step into these roles with confidence.”

The initiative launched at Douglass, John Marshall, Southeast and Star Spencer High Schools, targeting early engagement in high-demand fields and creating a direct connection between education and employment.

A Direct Pipeline to Opportunity

Future Forward began as a small, volunteer-led effort focused on resume support at the start of the 2025–26 school year and quickly evolved into a structured, scalable model for workforce development.

“As our team began working directly with students, we recognized the opportunity to deepen our impact,” said Duncan. “Future Forward helps students envision what’s possible. Through mentorship and practical guidance, we are expanding access to meaningful careers.”

By embedding mentorship and real-world career exposure into students’ senior year, this program reflects a broader shift toward employer-driven workforce solutions — bringing industry into the classroom and providing students with clear, actionable pathways after graduation.

“Programs like this don’t just inspire students, they open doors,” said Jamie C. Polk, PhD., OKCPS Superintendent. Through strong partnerships, our students build networks, gain real-world experience, and step into pathways that lead to employment, enlistment or enrollment.”

With plans to expand across additional OKCPS campuses, Future Forward is positioned to play a growing role in strengthening Oklahoma’s healthcare workforce while creating lasting opportunities for students.