The Highline School District's Health Sciences and Human Services High School (HS3) is the first of four Washington schools to be chosen for new global health program developed by the Washington Global Health Alliance (WGHA).

The small learning community is located on the Evergreen campus in White Center.

The WGHA Ambassador program is a pilot project designed to introduce global health issues to high school students. The goal is to enhance Washington's position as a leader in global health by nurturing the next generation of global health leaders.

Through the Ambassador Program, WGHA members will partner with HS3's principal and teachers to create 11th grade curriculum focused on science, math and social studies, as well as offer on-site learning opportunities and internships.

The program will start this spring with a two-week workshop hosted by Seattle Biomedical Research Institute's (SBRI) BioQuest science education program and Washington State University.

After the workshop, teachers will use the curriculum in class, and students will visit SBRI, WSU, PATH, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and other WGHA member institutions for hands-on instruction with scientists.

Funding for the Ambassador program comes from a $1 million, three-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support WGHA's goal of encouraging the development of future global health leaders.

"We are thrilled that the Gates Foundation is looking towards the students of White Center/ Burien as the next generation of doctors, scientists, and leaders in global health," says Paula Montgomery, HS3 Principal. "This partnership is the right next step for developing our school's focus on the health sciences."

The Washington Global Health Alliance is a new collaboration of leading Washington State global health organizations. WGHA strives to connect, organize, and motivate Washington state groups that share the goals of improving health conditions for people around the world.

Founding partners include Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, PATH, University of Washington, Washington State University, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Children's GAPPS Program and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.