Contact: Liz Kopling, Director of Marketing & Communications
Office: (608) 327-7219 Cell: (608) 772-9653
liz.kopling@agrace.org
MADISON, Wis. – Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care today announced the launch of a new scholarship for adults of color who want to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or an emergency medical technician (EMT). The program, called “Collaboration for the Calling,” is a partnership between Agrace, Catholic Charities of Madison and Ryan Brothers Ambulance Service. These organizations are committed to creating a workforce that is as diverse as the people they serve throughout southern Wisconsin.
Collaboration for the Calling scholarships are an expansion of a program Agrace launched earlier this year for disadvantaged students of color who recently graduated from high school. “The feedback Agrace heard from our high school CNA Scholars Program was so positive that we immediately began to look for ways to expand our efforts to include adults,” says Lynne Myers, President & CEO of Agrace. “There is an important role for the business community to play in opening up career opportunities for individuals who may not have previously had an ability to pursue higher education. I am delighted to have found like-minded organizations in Madison who are willing to join Agrace in these efforts.”
Collaboration for the Calling scholarships pay for adults of color to learn, train and prepare to work at one of the three sponsor organizations after they finish their education through Madison College. Upon the students’ certification, Agrace and Catholic Charities will hire CNAs, and Ryan Brothers Ambulance will hire EMTs. These positions are often the first step on the path to more advanced jobs in health care, such as nursing and paramedics.
Students selected to participate in the program will receive full tuition, books and supplies as well as peer mentoring to enhance their professional development. The cost of the certification exam is also covered by the scholarship.
“Catholic Charities is proud to partner with Agrace and Ryan Brothers in responding to solving community needs,” says Jackson Fonder, Catholic Charities Madison President & CEO. This collaboration allows us the opportunity to enhance our commitment to racial minorities and address the disparities they face. By assisting participants in securing meaningful employment, we can help them lead better lives.”
“Ryan Brothers Ambulance is proud to be able to contribute to this collective effort of expanding opportunities and providing new career possibilities. Health care is in need of an ever-expanding workforce and Emergency Medical Services is an excellent starting point to build a career or progress into the higher levels within health care,” says Patrick Ryan, president & CFO, Ryan Brothers Ambulance. “We are committed to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and believe that providing opportunities to persons who are underrepresented in the EMS field is a significant step in reflecting the communities we serve.”
Full details and the scholarship program application can be obtained by calling Alia Dayne at Agrace at (608) 327-7236 or visiting http://www.agrace.org/scholarship. The deadline to apply is November 2, 2015.
The scholarships are funded through the Agrace Foundation. Please contact Marcia Whittington, Agrace Chief Development officer, at (608) 327-7205 to discuss how you can support this initiative. More information about the work of the sponsor organizations is available at http://www.agrace.org , http://www.ryanbros.net and http://www.catholiccharitiesofmadison.org.
Founded in 1978, Agrace is a nonprofit, community-supported hospice and palliative care agency dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to patients and families facing the challenges of serious illness. With offices in Madison, Janesville and Baraboo, Agrace serves more than 650 patients every day in southern Wisconsin.
