PROVIDENCE, RI – As more Rhode Islanders seek out opportunities to gain in-demand skills to enter the workforce, the Genesis Center (GC) in Providence is stepping up to expand and enhance their health care workforce training programs.
In an effort to prepare more health care professionals to enter the workforce in Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined GC President & CEO, Shannon Carroll and students actively enrolled in GC’s health care training programs to deliver a $263,000 federal earmark to boost training for certified nursing assistants (CNA), medical assistants, dental assistants, pharmacy technicians, and other entry-level health care professionals.
“The Genesis Center does outstanding work helping people on their path to becoming American citizens and preparing them to enter the workforce with skills that meet the needs of employers. Our nation faces a shortage of health care professionals, and Rhode Island is grappling with similar challenges. This federal funding will help Genesis Center prepare more nurses, more assistants and techs to become key members of Rhode Island’s health care workforce,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “I was proud to secure this earmark to support Genesis Center in offering more classes and expanded opportunities for students to get hands-on experience and to learn from experienced health care professionals.”
Senator Reed secured this federal earmark in the fiscal year 2023 appropriations law. The funding will support GC in expanding the capacity of their workforce development programs by acquiring new clinical equipment, upgrading technology infrastructure, and adapting programs to provide new opportunities for even more Rhode Islanders.
“We are so grateful to be receiving this funding that signals a recognition that community members who traditionally lacked access to career opportunities have the cultural and linguistic competencies, skills, and motivation to add tremendous value to a critical segment of our workforce, specifically the care economy,” said Shannon Carroll, President & CEO of Genesis Center.
With the success and popularity of GC’s various adult education programs, the organization has seen growing demand from people across Rhode Island who are looking to gain new skills and enter the workforce ready to meet the needs of employers.
This funding will allow GC to modify and improve classroom space to mimic clinical settings and provide hands-on learning spaces that better prepare students for the realities of their future work spaces. Furthermore, tech upgrades will include the purchase of a new server, WiFi hotspots, and laptops for both student and staff use to allow for more hybrid class formats and expand GC’s reach across the state.
Reed is a leading champion in the U.S. Senate in strengthening effective adult education programs that help Americans gain new skills and pursue new careers in high-demand fields, like health care. He is the author of the bipartisan Adult Education WORKS Act and the Strengthening Research in Adult Education Act, which would improve on adult education programs and ensure more Americans can access opportunities that help unlock in-demand skills and jobs.
Since 1982, Genesis Center, a community-based organization in South Providence, has been providing essential educational, occupational, and supportive services to Rhode Island’s most vulnerable adults and children.
Rhode Islanders who want to learn more or apply for Genesis Center’s health care workforce training programs can visit: www.gencenter.org/job-training or call 401-781-6110.