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HHC and Goodwin University Launch Landmark Partnership
October 12, 2026
Hartford HealthCare and the Goodwin University System announced an innovative partnership designed to create new pathways from education to meaningful careers in healthcare, helping address Connecticut’s growing workforce needs while expanding opportunities for students and working adults across the state.
The partnership was announced during a press conference at Goodwin University attended by leaders from both organizations, students, educators and state and community leaders.
The partnership will connect learners at different stages of their education and careers with educational opportunities, career exploration, clinical experiences, workforce training and direct pathways into healthcare professions. The initiative brings together one of Connecticut’s largest health systems and an educational network that includes Goodwin University, the Goodwin University Magnet School System and University of Bridgeport, serving learners from elementary school through undergraduate and graduate programs.
Through this partnership, Hartford HealthCare and the Goodwin University System will establish a “lifecycle of learning” model that guides learners from career exploration to education, training and long-term professional growth in healthcare.
“At Hartford HealthCare, our mission is to make world-class care more accessible to the communities we serve. This partnership represents an important investment in the future of healthcare by creating new pathways for students and working adults to enter and advance in healthcare careers,” said Peter Yoo, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Hartford HealthCare. “By developing the next generation of healthcare professionals, we are strengthening access to high-quality care, building a workforce prepared for the future and ensuring patients across Connecticut continue to receive the exceptional care they deserve close to home.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access, strengthening communities and creating new opportunities for economic mobility.
Expanding access for students and adults
For students, the initiative will provide exposure to healthcare careers, educational support and connections to real-world clinical environments. For working adults, it will create opportunities to earn certificates, degrees and advanced credentials that can open doors to new careers, leadership roles and professional growth.
“Access is at the heart of opportunity,” explained Mark Scheinberg, President of Goodwin University. “With this one-of-a-kind partnership, we’re able to leverage decades of success in healthcare education at Goodwin to significantly expand access for students in the region. That means a direct pipeline into healthcare careers for those just graduating high school, and greater opportunities for adults working to improve their economic situation and for healthcare professionals looking to advance in their fields.”
The partnership’s first initiative will launch with students at Connecticut River Academy (CTRA), Goodwin’s early college high school. Through this initiative, students will gain access to a range of career opportunities in health sciences, professional certifications, clinical experience and college credit in preparation for potential healthcare jobs upon graduation. Some participating students can graduate from high school with an associate degree.
Different career pathways will be available
The partnership is designed to extend beyond a single program. Students who begin exploring healthcare careers in high school will have opportunities to continue their education through Goodwin University and University of Bridgeport, earning credentials ranging from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
At the same time, Hartford HealthCare colleagues will have expanded opportunities to further their education, develop specialized expertise and grow within the organization.
As the partnership evolves, pathways are expected to span disciplines including nursing, respiratory care, radiography and other high-demand healthcare professions.
The initiative builds on a longstanding collaboration between the two organizations. Since 2005, Goodwin has graduated more than 4,500 nurses, many of whom have gone on to serve patients throughout Hartford HealthCare.
By expanding access to healthcare careers and connecting more learners with education, training and advancement, the partnership aims to strengthen Connecticut’s healthcare workforce while creating new opportunities for students, working adults and families across the state.