March 22, 2023 – Jefferson Healthcare is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a Career Connect WA Explore Grant for $163,630. This grant will provide 8th and 9th grade students in Jefferson County with the opportunity to explore healthcare careers through hands-on experiences and educational programs. The collaboration of this grant with all three school districts is important in achieving the goal of recruiting the next generation of healthcare workers.
In partnership with Peninsula College, Olympic Ambulance, and Jefferson County Middle and High Schools, these programs will provide students with valuable insights into the many career paths available in healthcare.
“We believe that by working together with all three school districts, we can have a much greater impact in promoting healthcare careers to students,” said Caitlin Harrison, Workforce Development Program Manager at Jefferson Healthcare. “This grant is just the beginning in building programs with our local students to understand the varied opportunities available in healthcare and inspire them to pursue careers in this important field.”
Jefferson Healthcare began a workforce development program to actively engage in innovative ways to train and recruit our next generation of healthcare workers both internally and externally in Spring 2022. This work included expanding the MA Apprentice Program, building out an Education Center, starting a dental assistant trainee program as well as sterile processing, surge technician, nurse techs and a New RN Grad Residency Program.
For more information on Jefferson Healthcare Workforce Development and/or its partnership with Career Connect WA, please contact Caitlin Harrison, Workforce Development Program Manager, at charrison@jeffersonhealthcare.org.
About Career Connect WA
Career Connect WA is a statewide program aimed at providing students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Through grants and partnerships with local businesses and organizations, Career Connect WA is working to create a strong, highly skilled workforce for the state of Washington.