Greater Peoria Healthcare Education Consortium
The Greater Peoria Healthcare Education Consortium (GPHEC) is a bold, collaborative initiative now advanced by the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council as part of its workforce solutions programs. Uniting Greater Peoria’s leading higher education institutions, healthcare systems, and the region’s largest public school district, the Consortium is forging an integrated pipeline to develop, recruit, and retain a talented, diverse healthcare workforce.
With the vision of establishing Greater Peoria as a national center of excellence in healthcare education and collaboration, the Consortium creates clear pathways — from primary school exploration to medical and graduate degrees — ensuring the region’s healthcare ecosystem thrives for generations to come.
Geographic Scope: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Mason, and Logan Counties.
From elementary school curiosity to graduate-level preparation, the Consortium’s programs create on-ramps into healthcare careers at every stage — with a special emphasis on underrepresented communities and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
A hands-on experience co-led by UICOMP and Peoria Public Schools that introduces young students to the science and wonder of medicine. Target: 25 students by Year 3.
Led by OSF Innovation in partnership with Peoria Public Schools. In Year 1, 41 students enrolled — more than double the original target of 20 — with goals to expand to additional schools by Year 3.
A fully-equipped mobile classroom visiting each Peoria Public Schools high school every other month, featuring VR headsets, CPR manikins, and four career exploration stations. Initial investment: $145,000–$220,000 (grant funding being pursued).
Led by Bradley University. Comprehensive healthcare career kits with hands-on activities launching September 2026 with 10 kits, supported by an online resource website.
Each Consortium member sponsors at least one Healthcare Professions Club at a regional high school, providing career awareness, networking, and mentorship. Target: 10 schools across the region.
Cross-institutional curricular maps connect certificates and associate degrees through bachelor’s, medical, and graduate programs. A Medical School Early Assurance Program and an Online Health Professions Information Center are also in development.
Six of the region’s most influential educational and healthcare organizations have joined forces under the Consortium, each contributing unique expertise, infrastructure, and commitment to developing the region’s healthcare workforce.
New members may be admitted by a two-thirds supermajority approval of the Steering Committee. The Consortium also maintains an at-large position on the City of Peoria Council.
The Consortium’s strategic framework is built around six interconnected goals that span academic excellence, equity, rural healthcare, professional development, marketing, and advocacy.
The Consortium’s Year 1 (AY 2025–2026) operating plan reflects a coordinated investment across all strategic initiatives. Funding is pursued through a combination of institutional contributions, grants, and philanthropic partnerships.
| Initiative | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Mini-Medical School Program | $5,000 |
| Medical Immersion Program | $20,000 |
| Healthcare Professions Clubs (10 schools) | $105,190 |
| Healthcare Education Mobile Classroom (operating) | $160,000 |
| Customized Learning Content Kits | $5,000 |
| Consortium Coordinator (Year 1 only) | $62,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | $357,190 |
Note: Year 1 costs include startup expenses and a Consortium Coordinator position not required in subsequent years. Year 2 costs are projected to decrease significantly.
The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council oversees the Consortium's strategic direction and community partnerships. Reach out to learn more about membership, sponsorship, grant opportunities, or how your organization can contribute to the region's healthcare workforce pipeline.
