Free CNA training and certification, with job opportunities available.

Since 2006, the SkillSpring program at New Jewish Home has supported teens from under-resourced schools in New York City to pursue careers in healthcare. SkillSpring is developing the next generation of highly qualified, culturally competent healthcare professionals while stimulating interest and enthusiasm for career opportunities in healthcare for older adults.

New Jewish Home is an integrated health care system for seniors.

The SkillSpring program, which was launched in 2006 by the New Jewish Home of New York to address the workforce shortage in long-term care, is expanding its reach to help competitors around the state. Originally designed to provide a nursing career path for economically unstable young people, the program has successfully expanded to other facilities around the state, including a recent pilot program at the Isabella Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Washington Heights.

High School Program

(Grades 10-12, ages 14-19)

The three-year high school program serves 225 students per year at both the Bronx Housing and Manhattan locations. The high school program offers college preparation, health career exploration activities, internships, professional/elderly mentors, and clinical training. Youth graduate with up to five related health care certifications (e.g., Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Patient Care Technician), enabling them to be immediately employed and to have supplemental income while attending college.

Program Highlights

821 graduates since 2006

99% high school graduation rate

94% currently employed and/or enrolled in or have completed a postsecondary program

84% earned a degree

7 graduates enrolled in medical school

1 graduate pursuing a doctorate

330+ internships awarded

Graduating class averages $1 million in scholarships/grants per year

What the High School Program Offers High School Students

Scholarships/grants available to regular attendees

Paid internships during senior year

Free certifications (Certified Nursing Assistant/Patient Care, Technician), SAT prep, college counseling/trips, and dinner/snacks at various locations

Summer Programs

Academic Mentoring

Professional Development

Mentors

Skills Training/Clinical Experiences

Interested in joining the High School Program?

For more information on the High School Program:

Please contact Nicole Cash, Director of SkillSpring High School Programs, at [email protected].

Youth (YA) Program

(Ages 18-24)

SkillSpring’s Youth Program was launched in 2014 to meet the needs of out-of-school, unemployed, and multi-disciplined youth. The free, three-month program is designed to engage, train, and support out-of-school youth ages 18-24 to begin meaningful career paths in geriatric healthcare.

Participants who successfully complete the training will receive a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Certified Home Health Aide (HHA). Onsite staff will provide case management and referral services to participants. In addition, SkillSpring’s Youth Program offers onboarding services, professional development training, one-on-one mentoring, and paid internships, as well as free CNA/HHA training and certification, followed by the opportunity to work at The New Jewish Home.

Program Highlights

263 young adults graduated from SkillSpring Young Adult Programs

76% hired by New Jewish Home

54% have enrolled in or completed further education or training programs after SkillSpring

YA Program Participants Benefit from

Clinical Practice Skills Training

Contextualized Professional Development

Paid Internships at Skilled Nursing Facilities

Daily MetroCards

Paramedic Training (CNA/HHA)

One-on-one Mentoring

Motivating Professional Speakers

Long-term Employment Opportunities

Transition Support for Alumni

Phasing of Teen Programs (PDF)

Alumni (Workforce Programs)

Both the High School and Youth Programs incorporate the SkillSpring Alumni Program, which supports SkillSpring alumni in achieving their academic and career goals. Services include ongoing check-ins and tracking, career services, direct connections to professional opportunities at New Jewish Home, and referrals to external resources such as free training and professional development programs. Individual sessions are also available upon request to address personal concerns, establish and support educational goals, and support alumni in marketing themselves and obtaining employment opportunities.

All SkillSpring alumni receive the following free services

Resume and cover letter guidance

Application assistance (job and college)

Interview preparation

References and advising

FAFSA support

Direct access to New Jewish Home job opportunities

Recommendations for employment and educational opportunities

One-on-one life/school/career planning sessions

Volunteer/internship/shadowing opportunities at New Jewish Home

Public speaking opportunities

Networking and mentoring

Alumni events and workshops

How to apply?

Register through the official website of SkillSpring and enter your personal information to apply. For more information about the alumni program, you can also contact [email protected].