High-STEP Career
Academy

Indigenizing healthcare career pathways for Native students across Minnesota.

Bridging Tradition and Innovation

The High-STEP Career Academy is a career exploration and training program that prepares high school students for pathways in health care and health sciences. By adapting and expanding the HIGH-Step model, MIWI seeks to “Indigenize” the program—integrating Native culture, sovereignty, and values into the curriculum.

Students gain early exposure to medical careers through classroom learning, work-based experiences, and industry-recognized certifications, helping them transition smoothly into postsecondary programs or direct employment.

Visit Original HIGH-Step

Career Preparation

Industry-recognized certifications and hands-on experience.

Cultural Integration

Native culture, sovereignty, and values woven throughout.

Work-Based Learning

Real-world healthcare experiences and mentorship.

Community Focus

Serving Native communities across Minnesota.

What Makes Our Program Unique

We've transformed the traditional HIGH-Step model to honor Indigenous knowledge systems while preparing students for modern healthcare careers.

Indigenous Mentorship

Native healthcare professionals guide students throughout their journey

  • One-on-one mentoring sessions
  • Cultural guidance and support
  • Career pathway planning
  • College preparation assistance

Culturally Responsive Curriculum

Healthcare education that honors Indigenous ways of knowing

  • Traditional healing practices integration
  • Indigenous health perspectives
  • Community health approaches
  • Sovereignty-centered learning

Community Partnerships

Strong connections with tribal nations and healthcare organizations

  • Tribal healthcare facilities
  • Indian Health Service partnerships
  • Community health centers
  • Cultural organizations

Training Resources & Technology

State-of-the-art learning tools combined with traditional knowledge systems to prepare the next generation of Indigenous healthcare professionals.

Students in healthcare training

CNA Program

Certified Nursing Assistant training with Indigenous perspectives

Comprehensive nursing assistant certification that integrates traditional healing practices with modern healthcare standards.

Learn More
Virtual reality first aid training

First Aid in VR

Virtual reality emergency response training

Immersive VR scenarios that teach critical first aid skills in culturally relevant community settings.

Experience VR
3D anatomy learning in VR

Anatomy in VR

Interactive 3D anatomy learning experience

Explore human anatomy in virtual reality with culturally appropriate teaching methods and Indigenous health perspectives.

Explore Anatomy

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