California State University Chancellor Mildred García joined U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Assistant Secretary for Administration Cheryl R. Campbell on Tuesday in signing a memorandum of understanding to encourage students to join the health workforce.
The memorandum seeks ways to collaborate on channeling students to work in federal health roles and forms a model for how universities and federal agencies can work together to meet critical workforce needs.
Tuesday's signing took place at the CSU Chancellor's Office, with CSU presidents in attendance for the historic signing.
“The memorandum of understanding we sign and celebrate today represents a vital alliance that will serve as a national model for preparing a new generation of dynamically diverse health care professionals to meet our country's significant and growing workforce needs, particularly in critical areas such as nursing, public health and behavioral health," said García.
García continued: “The partnership will expand career development opportunities for CSU students systemwide through the Department's outstanding internship, mentorship and experiential training programs, greatly enhancing their preparedness for the health care workforce, whether at the Department, in other federal careers, or serving communities here in California or nationwide."
García noted that the MOU establishes a long-term collaborative relationship that is designed to be flexible and forward-focused, and honors “our shared core values of diversity and equity," in its efforts to ensure that the future health care workforce reflects the diverse population it serves.
Becerra spoke of the complex and diverse needs of the nation's health department—including responding to the pandemic and other diseases, and assisting with health issues during disasters—and how the partnership creates an important pathway for students to move into health-focused careers.
“The nation's health is stronger when we have a trained, fully equipped and well-supported health workforce," said Becerra. “Thanks to the CSU system, we continue to move in the right direction towards becoming a stronger and healthier nation."
Becerra also spoke about his admiration for the work of the CSU and the students it serves. He has visited several CSU campuses, he said, and he was particularly impressed with the Fresno State Latinx graduation ceremony he attended. “I saw a lot of future scientists, doctors, researchers who could easily fit right in at HHS," he added.
MOU Aims to Create National Model
The CSU's collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grew out of an earlier connection with Cal Poly Pomona. In February 2024, Cal Poly Pomona signed an MOU with HHS to focus on developing a diverse pipeline and preparing its students to apply and compete for federal jobs.
With the new systemwide MOU, HHS will engage with all 23 CSU campuses to determine how they would like to partner with HHS to increase early career employment opportunities in public service for CSU students.
“I believe this partnership will help to embolden our students to dream—and to achieve their aspirations—and build a diverse workforce pipeline that will contribute to the health and vitality of our community," said Cal Poly Pomona President Soraya Coley.
The partnership aims to address health care workforce shortages across the U.S., focusing on areas such as nursing, public health and behavioral health. Coordinators hope that it can serve as a national model for how universities and federal agencies can work together to meet critical workforce needs, while also developing a health care workforce that's more reflective of different populations, specifically those individuals who are underrepresented and are from underserved backgrounds.
The MOU is expected to drive career development opportunities for CSU students, including internships, mentorships and training with HHS. It also provides a pathway into federal health care careers, as well as health care careers in general.
Additionally, there will be a focus on behavioral health to address the nation's growing demand for mental health professionals, which is an area likely to receive significant attention and where this partnership is expected to play a major role.
“At the center of this partnership is a shared national vision for a healthier and more equitable health care delivery system," said Rehman Attar, the CSU's director of Health Care and Workforce Development in Academic and Student Affairs. “By working together, the CSU and HHS will advance workforce readiness, health equity and well-being for communities across the nation."
Cal Poly Pomona Alum Highlighted
The signing ceremony highlighted Shelby Guillen, '21, who earned a bachelor's degree in food science and technology from Cal Poly Pomona. In spring 2021, she served at the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a public policy fellow through the CSU's
Agricultural Research Institute. She currently serves as a diversity program specialist at HHS.
“This partnership represents a powerful commitment to creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds—and holds a special significance for me," said Guillen. “Like many CSU students, I was a first-generation and nontraditional college student. I was fortunate to find support at the CSU and through opportunities available because of partnerships like this one."
Working with her colleagues at USDA, she said, “I gained mentorship, resources and access to a network of support that opened doors I never even knew existed. And now, in a full-circle moment, I have the honor of working on policies and initiatives aimed at opening doors for more students like me."
Guillen said that celebrating the MOU at the Chancellor's Office, within sight of the Queen Mary, held special meaning for her, given that her Mexican American grandfather had traveled to France on the Queen Mary to fight in World War II.
“I chose to continue my family's legacy of service in a different way," said Guillen, adding, “Today's MOU is not just a document, it's a lifeline to future leaders, innovators and changemakers."
Guillen “encapsulates the reason we are here today," said Coley, “and she strengthens my and our collective resolve to continue providing pathways for our students and every future student that will look at the CSU as the launchpad of their dreams."
In addition to the memorandum, HHS on Tuesday announced new funding opportunities and programs on
HHS.gov to provide information and promote careers in health care, and a new report, “Health Care Workforce: Key Issues, Challenges, and the Path Forward," describing persistent challenges facing the health workforce.
Read about other campus career pathways and health care programs at the CSU.