Imperial County Health Professions Pathway Program
Growing Our Own So We Can Rise Together

Mission Statement
To support and encourage underrepresented and disadvantaged high school students from the Imperial County to pursue health careers to develop a more culturally and linguistically competent healthcare workforce.
We promote health careers in:

Meet The Team

Program Manager
Gilbert Harrison is the Program Manager for the Imperial County Health Professions Pathway Program. In this role, he is responsible for managing all aspects of the program, ensuring its smooth operation, and delivering valuable opportunities for students interested in healthcare careers. Gilbert coordinates the day-to-day activities of the program, including student recruitment, curriculum support, and partnerships with local healthcare providers. He works closely with faculty, staff, and community leaders to create pathways for success and foster a robust learning environment.
A proud resident of the Imperial Valley, Gilbert brings a deep understanding of the region’s unique needs and challenges. With a strong commitment to local workforce development, he is passionate about empowering students in the Imperial Valley to pursue and excel in healthcare professions. Gilbert is especially dedicated to the “Growing Our Own” initiative, which focuses on nurturing local talent to fill critical healthcare roles within the region. Outside of work, Gilbert enjoys photography, capturing the beauty and stories of the Imperial Valley. Whether it’s landscapes or local events, photography offers him a creative outlet and a way to stay connected to the community.
- Calexico H.S.
- Central Union H.S.
- Southwest H.S.
- Holtville H.S.
- Imperial H.S.
- Brawley H.S.
- San Pasqual Valley H.S.

Academic Mentor
[email protected]
Ana Guardado is an Academic Mentor for San Diego State University (SDSU) at Imperial County Health Professions Pathway Program with over five years of experience working in higher education. Ana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology with minors in Science Technology and Society Studies and in Counseling and Social Change. Ana is responsible for educating students on healthcare careers including Behavior Health, Oral Health, Allied Health, Geriatric Health and Primary Health. Ana is a dedicated worker and uses her experience as a First-Generation student to encourage students to work hard and succeed. Through the collaborative work at Imperial County Health Professions Pathway Program, Ana uses her passion and experience to ensure the core tenet of ICHPPP, “Growing Our Own,”
- Brawley Union High School
- Calexico High School
- San Pasqual Valley High School
- Southwest High School
Media
Pictures are from ICHPPP Learning-Based Workshops where students from the local high schools who are enrolled in the program, visit SDSU-IV Brawley Campus to learn more about Nursing and the career pathway.

Imperial County Health Professions Pathway Program is funded by a Grant through the Department of Healthcare Access and Information.
Grant Agreement #22-30026

