Campaign Overview

The healthcare industry is facing critical workforce shortages while many in underserved communities are seeking stable, well-paying careers. The Health Initiative’s Health Career Academy bridges this gap by providing comprehensive training, certification, and job placement in healthcare careers—creating economic opportunity for individuals while building the healthcare workforce our communities desperately need.

The Opportunity & The Need

Healthcare careers offer family-sustaining wages, benefits, job security, and advancement opportunities. Yet individuals from underserved communities face barriers: training costs, lack of information about career paths, childcare during training, transportation, and no safety net if they quit current jobs to train. The Health Career Academy removes all these barriers.

Career Training Pathways

Community Health Worker Certification (8 weeks)

• State-recognized CHW certification training
• Public health fundamentals, health education, patient navigation
• Cultural competence, motivational interviewing, advocacy
• Starting wage: $18-22/hour
• Career advancement: CHW Supervisor, Health Educator, Program Coordinator

Medical Assistant Certification (12 weeks)

• Clinical skills (vital signs, injections, EKG, phlebotomy)
• Administrative skills (scheduling, billing, EHR)
• Lab procedures and specimen collection
• National certification exam preparation
• Starting wage: $17-20/hour
• Career advancement: Lead MA, Clinical Supervisor, Office Manager

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) (6 weeks)

• Basic nursing skills and patient care
• Vital signs, hygiene, mobility assistance
• Communication and documentation
• State certification exam preparation
• Starting wage: $16-19/hour
• Career advancement: LPN, RN (pathway with ongoing support)

Home Health Aide Certification (4 weeks)

• Personal care skills for homebound patients
• Safety and emergency procedures
• Working with elderly and disabled clients
• State certification
• Starting wage: $15-18/hour
• Career advancement: CNA, LPN

Phlebotomy Technician (6 weeks)

• Venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques
• Specimen handling and processing
• Lab safety and infection control
• National certification exam
• Starting wage: $17-20/hour
• Career advancement: Medical Lab Technician

Health Information Technology (12 weeks)

• Electronic health records systems
• Medical coding (ICD-10, CPT)
• Health information management
• HIPAA compliance and privacy
• Starting wage: $18-22/hour
• Career advancement: Medical Coder, HIM Specialist, Compliance Officer

Pharmacy Technician (12 weeks)

• Pharmacy operations and regulations
• Medication preparation and dispensing
• Pharmacy calculations
• National certification exam
• Starting wage: $17-20/hour
• Career advancement: Lead Tech, Pharmacy Manager

Pre-Professional Pathways

Pre-Nursing Program (12 months)

• College prep and entrance exam preparation
• Science prerequisites tutoring (anatomy, chemistry)
• Nursing school application support
• Scholarship and financial aid guidance
• Mentorship from registered nurses
• CNA certification while preparing for nursing school

Pre-Medical Program (Ongoing)

• College and pre-med advising
• MCAT preparation
• Medical school application support
• Shadowing opportunities with physicians
• Research opportunities
• Scholarship and financial aid guidance

Healthcare Career Exploration (High School Students)

• Summer healthcare career camps
• Job shadowing at clinic and hospitals
• Healthcare career presentations at schools
• College and scholarship guidance
• Mentorship from healthcare professionals

Comprehensive Scholarship Package

Each scholarship covers:

• Full Tuition: Complete cost of training program ($2,000-5,000 value)
• Textbooks & Materials: All required learning materials
• Certification Exam Fees: National or state certification costs
• Uniforms & Supplies: Scrubs, stethoscope, required equipment
• Background Check & Drug Screen: Required for employment
• CPR Certification: Basic Life Support certification

Wraparound Support Services

Removing barriers to success:

• Childcare Stipend: $500/month during training
• Transportation Assistance: Gas cards, bus passes, or rideshare credits
• Living Expense Stipend: $300/month for bills during training
• Professional Clothing Allowance: Interview attire and work clothes
• Technology: Laptop loan program for online coursework
• Tutoring Support: Free tutoring for coursework
• Career Counseling: One-on-one guidance throughout program

Job Placement & Career Support

• Resume Building: Professional resume development
• Interview Preparation: Mock interviews and coaching
• Job Placement Services:
  • Direct hiring by The Health Initiative
  • Partner placement with hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies
  • Job fairs connecting graduates with employers
• Career Advancement: Ongoing mentorship and support for further education
• Alumni Network: Peer support and networking opportunities

Eligibility Criteria

• 18+ years old (16+ for high school programs)
• High school diploma or GED
• Income below 250% federal poverty level
• Passion for healthcare and helping others
• Commitment to completing program
• Priority for: single parents, individuals receiving public assistance, veterans, immigrants, long-term unemployed

Partner Training Institutions

• Local community colleges
• Vocational technical schools
• Healthcare system training programs
• Online certification programs (accredited)

Campaign Impact (March 2025 – Feb 2026 projected)

• 150 scholarships awarded across all program tracks
• 135 trainees projected to complete programs (90% completion rate)
• 125 projected to achieve certification (93% pass rate)
• 115 projected to secure employment within 3 months (92% placement rate)
• Average starting wage: $18.25/hour
• Total economic impact: $5.5M in wages over first year for graduates

Breakdown by Program Track (Projected)

• Community Health Workers: 40 scholars
• Medical Assistants: 30 scholars
• CNAs: 25 scholars
• Home Health Aides: 20 scholars
• Phlebotomy Technicians: 15 scholars
• Health Information Technology: 10 scholars
• Pharmacy Technicians: 10 scholars

How Funds Were Used

• 60% – Training tuition for 150 scholars
• 20% – Wraparound support (childcare, transportation, living stipends)
• 15% – Job placement and career support services
• 5% – Program administration and coordination

Campaign Results: SUCCESSFUL

Goal: $450,000 | Raised: $467,300 (104% of goal)

Thanks to major foundation grants focused on workforce development, corporate sponsors from healthcare and hospital systems, government workforce development funds, and 550+ individual donors, we exceeded our goal and funded 150 scholarships (originally planned for 125).

Scholar Success Stories

“I was working two minimum-wage jobs and couldn’t support my kids. The Medical Assistant scholarship changed everything. Now I have a career with benefits making $19/hour. My kids are proud of me and we’re doing okay financially. This program gave me hope and a future.” – Maria, Medical Assistant graduate

“I’m a veteran who struggled after leaving the military. The CHW program gave me purpose again. Now I help other veterans access healthcare. It’s the most meaningful work I’ve ever done, and I have financial stability.” – James, Community Health Worker

“I dreamed of being a nurse but didn’t know how to get there. The Pre-Nursing program helped me get into nursing school with scholarships. I start my RN program this fall. They believed in me when no one else did.” – Ashley, Pre-Nursing student

“As an immigrant, I had college degrees from my country but they weren’t recognized here. The Health Information Technology program gave me credentials that matter here. I now work at a hospital making $22/hour. I’m rebuilding my career.” – Ahmed, Health IT graduate

Employer Perspectives

“The Health Career Academy graduates are among our best employees. They’re committed, well-trained, and understand the communities we serve. We’re prioritizing hiring their graduates.” – Hospital HR Director

“We’ve hired 5 CHWs from the program and they’re phenomenal. They connect with patients in ways clinical staff can’t. They’re bridging gaps and improving patient outcomes.” – Clinic Manager

Economic Impact on Families

Graduates report:

• Average income increase of $12,000/year from pre-program to post-placement
• 75% now have health insurance (through employment)
• 60% able to move to safer, more stable housing
• 80% able to afford nutritious food consistently
• 50% able to start saving money for first time
• Many able to pursue further education (LPN, RN programs)

Healthcare Workforce Impact

Program graduates are addressing workforce shortages:

• Filling critical CHW, MA, CNA, and other support roles
• Providing culturally competent care to diverse communities
• Reducing burden on physicians and nurses through team-based care
• Improving patient satisfaction and health outcomes
• Building pipeline for future nurses, physicians, and healthcare leaders

Program Sustainability

The Health Career Academy is an ongoing program with:

• Annual scholarship cohorts (Spring and Fall)
• Partnerships with healthcare employers guaranteeing job placement
• Funding from workforce development agencies, foundations, and healthcare systems
• Alumni giving back as mentors and donors
• Expansion plans to serve 200+ annually by 2027

The Vision

Healthcare careers should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford training. The Health Career Academy is proving that when we remove barriers and provide wraparound support, individuals from underserved communities can succeed in healthcare careers—transforming their own lives, supporting their families, and strengthening the healthcare workforce. This is economic opportunity, workforce development, and health equity all in one.