CNM Receives $250K Grant to Help Train and Upskill More Hispanic Healthcare Workers
Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) announced it has received a $250,000 grant from Bank of America to recruit, train and upskill Hispanic healthcare professionals in New Mexico as part of the bank’s Progresando initiative. Through professional training and education programs, CNM will be able to increase the number of Hispanic adults in the healthcare workforce while also increasing their job flexibility and advancing economic success. The college aims to train, upskill and reskill more than 400 students within two years of launching the program.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to help more Hispanic professionals in the healthcare field build upon their skills and education so they can ascend in their career and gain greater economic mobility,” said Nireata Seals, CNM Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Success. “It’s an honor for CNM to be part of this important effort and we’re grateful for the support and partnership with Bank of America on this effort. We’re looking forward to helping more Hispanic healthcare professionals gain the extra skills and education they need to rise in their careers and achieve more financial prosperity.”
Based on population growth and increasing needs for quality health care, Hispanics continue to face disproportionate barriers to access, availability and affordability of healthcare. To help, Bank of America collaborated with education firm EAB to launch the Progresando initiative. The initiative focuses on six communities, including New Mexico, and will include support for 12 Hispanic-serving education institutions.
“The Progresando initiative aims to introduce and support Hispanic adults entering a healthcare professional track, align educational programs to local workforce demand and connect students to employment opportunities,” said Paul Mondragón, Bank of America New Mexico President. “We recognize the workforce demand and that careers in healthcare offer long-term stability and economic opportunity, which is why we are excited to help address this pressing workforce issue and increase representation of Hispanic healthcare providers across New Mexico.”
CNM will be creating a three-tiered approach in order to execute on the initiative. The first tier will be a broad recruitment program aimed at enrolling new Hispanic students in the college’s healthcare programs where they can study everything from nursing to radiologic technology. These students will get wrap-around services from departments including advisement and financial aid to ensure they have the guidance and resources to succeed in their chosen field. They will also get peer advice from working professionals so they can get a first-hand look at the healthcare field. All students, including recent high school graduates as well as adults seeking high school equivalency diplomas, are encouraged to apply.
The second tier will be recruitment of Hispanic graduates from CNM who’ve already completed a healthcare degree or certificate and want to re-enroll as a way to upskill and create better financial opportunities. These students will be able to get CNM credit for both their previous classes as well as their current healthcare work experience so that they come into their new degree program at the appropriate level. Continuing students will also get the wrap-around academic and financial support to help them succeed in school and beyond.