Hispanic communities often face disproportionate barriers to accessible, available and affordable healthcare. Now, more than ever, it is important to invest in quality training for the healthcare providers of these communities, helping to advance economic opportunity and improve health outcomes.
Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) is addressing this need, helping to recruit, train and upskill Hispanic healthcare professionals in New Mexico through support from Bank of America’s Progresando initiative. In collaboration with education firm EAB, the Progresando initiative focuses on six communities, including New Mexico, and includes support for 12 Hispanic-serving education institutions to expand education and employment opportunities for Hispanic-Latino adults in health careers.
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.
CNM will be creating a 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 have 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.
“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.”
“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.”
Working with community partners like CNM, Bank of America is committed to supporting Hispanic-Latino communities and advancing economic mobility.
