Abstract
Student success in STEM and healthcare increasingly depends on intentional design of equitable, scalable pathways that integrate structured programming, immersive experiential learning, and modern workforce-aligned upskilling. This manuscript introduces the PIVOT Framework— Pathways, Innovation, Vision, Opportunity, and Transformation—as a comprehensive, evidencedriven model for reimagining student success strategies in STEM and healthcare education. The framework emphasizes early engagement, longitudinal support, and competency-based preparation, ensuring students develop the skills and professional identities necessary for success. Drawing from a range of high-impact practices—including paid internships, research-based learning experiences, mentoring structures, digital skills integration, and stackable credentialing—the manuscript demonstrates how coordinated institutional strategies improve persistence, accelerate career readiness, and expand representation in the STEM and healthcare workforce. By centering equity, adaptability, and cross-sector collaboration, the PIVOT Framework offers a scalable model for institutions seeking to prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving global workforce.
Biography
Ryan S. Clark, Ph.D., M.S. Executive Director, Office for Educational Outreach & Health Careers Department of Undergraduate Medical Education, Academic Partnerships and Affiliations, Student Affairs Instructor, Department of Community Health & Preventive Medicine Morehouse School of Medicine
Jarrod Lockhart, EdD MSc Assistant Vice Provost, Education Outreach & Collaboration Oregon Health and Science University
Recommended Citation
Clark, R., & Lockhart, J. (2025). The Success Equation: Scaling the PIVOT Framework for STEM & Healthcare Student Success. Journal of Access, Retention, and Inclusion in Higher Education, 8(1). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/jarihe/vol8/iss1/6