Parents, students, schools and various organizations play a role in the success of the community in which individuals live.
The Career and Technical Education program partnership at the Dysart Unified School District and Banner Health create invaluable opportunities for students.
In 2022, the nursing services CTE program began the Certified Nursing Assistant Certification. With up to 40 students allowed in to the program, an application process is in place.
Jim Grieshaber, director of career and technical education, said Dysart Schools began looking at starting the CNA certification program right when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After meeting with advisory boards and members of the community, the highest need in the community is healthcare. Grieshaber has been working to get a partnership with Banner Health for eight years.
Noelle Trinder, Banner Health senior director of healthcare careers, said the parties are aligned in the vision of Banner Health and creating pathways to employment for surrounding communities.
A strategic team was created by Banner Health in February 2022. It focuses on different work force solutions with the community, including a K-12 strategy.
“I track every single one of these kids and this is the same team that does the hiring and calling each student to see if they want employment,” Trinder said.
This is a novel concept to have the same team do all these things, she added.
But the hiring is not limited to just nursing. Currently two interns from Dysart High School are working with IT and the corporate applications team.
“With our CTE programs we are giving kids opportunities gain exposure to different career paths, saving parents and families thousands of dollars,” Grieshaber said.
Dysart Schools help pay for students to take part in the program, including the cost for the state exam. Sun Health donates the first pair of scrubs and district officials purchase others.
Trinder has two kids attending schools in the district, with both involved in the CTE program. As a parent, Trinder said she is impressed with the sports medicine program and how it prepares kids for any sort of healthcare because the curriculum is so strong, ensuring they will be ready.
“These kids are industry ready,” she said.
Students get the opportunity as soon as seventh grade, to help aide in the choice of which direction to go. Grieshaber said it is the job of school officials with the career and college readiness platform to help kids gain a better understanding.
More than 5,000 students in the district take CTE classes, but Grieshaber said he would like to have all students experiencing a CTE class.
“Banner Health has strong partnerships with high learning institutions to create intentional pathways and programs for C.N.As to become RNs. This includes support through tuition, grants, scholarships, and cohorts for learning aimed at accessibility and affordability,” Trinder said.
With these opportunities available to the future community workforce, Trinder said she is proud to work for an organization that is investing in the community through a partnership.
We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Jennifer Jimenez can be reached at jjimenez@iniusa.org, or on Twitter @scw_indepenent.
In 2020, Jennifer Jimenez began working for Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA. She began her career as a sports reporter in Peoria and Glendale, covering the very same schools she used to compete at. During this time, she also worked for television news, magazines and sports radio stations.
Community: Jennifer is a member of the Hall of Fame at Peoria High School where she graduated in 2001, alongside her father Joe Hernandez. She serves youth soccer players as a pro-trainer and coach.
Education: Grand Canyon University 2005 B.A. Liberal Arts
Ranom Fact: She has a street named after her in south Peoria “Jennifer Rose Court.”
Hobbies: Country dancing, coaching soccer, teaching private swim lessons and running are things she does for fun.
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