Page 22 - RFCUNY Annual Report 2016

Evelyn

Fernandez-Ketcham
Executive Director of Workforce Development
Continuing Education and Workforce Development
Hostos Community College
The healthcare sector continues to undergo rapid
employment growth. Ms. Fernandez-Ketcham sees
this as an opportunity for her community. With her
three-year $596K award from the US Department
of Health and Human Services, Health Careers
Opportunity Program (HCOP), Fernandez-Ketcham
offers cost-free training to NYC underrepresented
individuals interested in healthcare professions.
Students learn dental assistance, certified nursing
assistance, or health information technology.
HCOP allows for the creation of career pathways
in the healthcare sector. Whether the next step for
students is transition to college or additional career
certifications, the ultimate goal is for individuals to
advance in their careers. The program’s coordinator,
Jamila Cumberbatch observes, “Since its inception,
300 students have completed the training, which
allows students to build coping skills, develop
resiliency, and boost their self-esteem.”

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