In 2007, Detroit Allied Health Middle College High School (DAHMC) was opened at Charles F. Kettering Senior High School.  It is a newly developed Detroit Public School, in partnership with Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) and Detroit Medical Center (DMC).  The program is designed to prepare male and female students for the ever increasing employment opportunities in the health care field.  Students who successfully complete the academic curriculum of Detroit Allied Health Middle College High School will graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate Degree or two years of transferable college credit from Wayne County Community College District.
           
The Detroit Allied Health Middle College High School’s mission is: to serve young people who are interested in the Allied Health careers, academically capable, in need of motivation or an alternative learning environment, and to give experience that will bridge adjustment to a college campus.

There were 124 tenth grade students enrolled initially and as of June 2008, there were 108 students enrolled with an assistant principal and counselor designated for them.  Students were assigned to an academic learning team of teachers, also known as a MESS team: Math, English, Science, and Social studies.  Each teacher led a daily focus group where students were able to explore note-taking and organizational skills, study habits, etc., while also addressing personal concerns that might impede success.
           
Highlights of the Program

• Academic conferences were held after each report card marking for students who received less than a 2.0 grade point average.  Mandatory after-school tutoring was offered to provide additional instruction.

• A Resource Coordinating Team (RCT) composed of counselors, social workers, and school psychologists met weekly with students and/or parents to address academic, social, and emotional concerns.

• WCCCD instructors taught two courses:
• 120 1st semester students received a C or better and three-credits from the Introduction to the Allied Health course  (1st semester)
• 105 2nd semester students received a C or better and one-credit from Career Professional Development (2nd semester). 

• During the summer semester, 26 students enrolled in an additional three-credit hour course of psychology, sociology, or Spanish.

• In December 2007, the DMC hosted120 students and many parents to provide exposure to the careers available through Detroit Allied Health Middle College High School.  Emery King, former anchorman and current DMC medical internet anchorman, was the keynote speaker and encouraged students to pursue careers in Allied Health.

• As a follow-up to the visit at DMC, health professionals (i.e., physician assistant, registered nurse, pharmacy assistant, etc.) met with students weekly to provide information about employment opportunities, job requirements, and the duties of each professional. 

• DMC provided each student with the novel, Gifted Hands by Ben Carson, and sponsored a writing contest.  Winners received a gift card from Borders Bookstore and a special lunch and job-shadowing experience at DMC in fall 2008.

• Two award programs were held.  In February 2008, a White Coat Ceremony was conducted.  Fifty students received their white coats in recognition of being on target academically.  In June 2008, students who were on honor roll three times during the course of the school year received trophies.

• Parent participation included attending parent-teacher conferences, speaking in various forums (i.e., press conference, WCCCD, recruitment fairs, etc.) about the value of DAHMC programs.