Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Accelerate ASU and Agua Fria High School District Launch Healthcare & Nursing Pathway

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue), Accelerate ASU, and the Agua Fria High School District have formed a strategic partnership to develop a structured Healthcare & Nursing Pathway that strengthens Arizona’s future healthcare workforce while expanding college access for West Valley students.

With a $40,000 investment from AZ Blue, participating students will complete Arizona State University-aligned college prerequisite coursework while still in high school, helping them build a strong academic foundation before graduation.

Students will complete four ASU Universal Learner Courses (ULCs) from the beginning of 11th grade through the first semester of 12th grade. The course sequence was intentionally selected to give students interested in nursing a competitive edge as they prepare to apply to nursing programs. The courses are prerequisites for Arizona State University’s nursing program. Even if students choose to attend another college or university, the opportunity allows them to accelerate their college coursework, potentially reduce postsecondary costs, and better prepare for their next educational experience.

“What stands out most about this program is the students. The students are talented, motivated, and ready to take on opportunities that challenge them and expand what they believe is possible for their futures. Our goal at ASU is to meet that potential with access and opportunity,” said Natasha Burruel, senior program manager, Health, Learning Enterprise at Arizona State University. “Through our partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, these students will begin earning college credit while still in high school, explore pathways into meaningful careers in healthcare, and start to see themselves succeeding in college and beyond. That early exposure can be transformational. It helps students see not only where they can go, but also the impact they can have. Most importantly, it gives them the confidence to know they belong there.”

Eligible students received an application during the spring 2026 semester. Nearly 70 students applied, and 20 were selected for the first cohort, representing each of our comprehensive high schools that have 11th grade students.

“At AZ Blue, we believe the future of healthcare starts with the students sitting in classrooms today,” said Paul Penzone, VP, Chief Community Relations Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “By partnering with Agua Fria High School District, we are helping students pursue meaningful careers, and developing the next generation of healthcare professionals who will serve Arizona’s growing communities. This is an investment not only in students, but in the health and well-being of our state.”

The inaugural cohort includes four students from each of five of the District’s six comprehensive high schools. Goodyear High School is not represented in the first cohort because the school does not yet have 11th-grade students or Level II pathway courses.

The partnership reflects a shared investment in students and Arizona’s future healthcare workforce while creating greater access to postsecondary education for students in the West Valley.