DULUTH — Essentia Health announced Monday it has partnered with two organizations to incorporate health science curriculum into 25 high schools across Essentia’s service range.

While the list of participating schools is not yet finalized, the partnership will allow for Essentia to work with schools to create Minnesota HOSA–Future Health Professionals student chapter organizations and health care career exploration opportunities. HOSA offers student competitions, conferences and introductions to health care professionals.

Essentia will also equip districts with a health science curriculum and access to a digital portfolio for students to capture their skills and experiences with the STEM Fuse curriculum provider. The portfolio can help them find internships and work opportunities at Essentia. Teachers will be able to tailor curriculum to the needs of their classrooms.

The goal of this partnership, according to a news release from Essentia, is to introduce students in rural areas to health care professions at an early age and provide them with opportunities and skills to pursue those careers. The partnership will also target the critical shortage of health care professionals by building a future workforce.