L-R, Sally Pinto, WWA; Dr. Danielle Stroughton Duncan EdD, MEd, MLS, COLA; Kathy Nucifora MPH, MLS (ASCP), Chief Operating Officer, COLA; Jamie Morales, Gorton HS Principal; Juliet Armstrong; WWA, Lisa Boillot-Gagnum, WWA; Dawn Myers, Gorton HS Anatomy & Physiology teacher
NextGen Lab Tech Program Introduces Yonkers Students to In-Demand Careers in Laboratory Science
A new initiative is opening doors for Yonkers high school students to explore careers in one of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare: laboratory science. The NextGen Lab Tech pilot program has launched at Charles E. Gorton High School—an Academy of Medical Professions magnet school—thanks to a partnership between COLA (Commission on Laboratory Accreditation), Columbia University’s Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), and the Westchester Women’s Agenda.
Created in response to a growing shortage of skilled laboratory professionals, particularly in the New York region, the program aims to spark student interest and prepare them for careers in this critical healthcare sector.
The initiative kicked off with a Career & College Info Session on April 10, where students learned about diverse careers in laboratory technology and the academic pathways that lead to clinical lab degrees. On April 24, the program hosted a Lab Immersion Day for 40 Gorton juniors. Students participated in interactive case studies in hematology, cytogenetics, and microbiology—working alongside scientists from New York and across the country. The hands-on experience gave students practical exposure to diagnostic techniques, data analysis, and real-world lab procedures.
This collaboration opens a direct path for our students to rewarding, well-paying careers in healthcare and science—and strengthens our community,” said Jamie Morales, Principal of Charles E. Gorton High School.
“Solving the lab tech shortage is essential to maintaining the high standards of healthcare in New York,” added Joann Li, of Columbia University’s Department of Pathology and Cell Biology.
Kathy Nucifora, Chief Operating Officer of COLA, said, “We’re thrilled to provide students with real-world experiences that spark interest in laboratory science careers. Our partnership with Gorton High School sets the stage for building a model that can expand to schools across the country.” The NextGen Lab Tech pilot not only addresses a critical workforce shortage in the Westchester area but also empowers students to imagine—and prepare for—successful futures in science and healthcare.
