In 2006, the New Jewish Home partnered with Columbia University Teacher’s College to develop a Geriatrics Career Development Program (GCD) on elder care fundamentals, which lets students receive 1 of 5 healthcare certifications after graduation from high school. In 2014, GCD expanded the program to serve out of school/out of work young adults aged 18-24.

• After developing the curriculum, the New Jewish Home worked closely with high schools and community organizations to attract students into the program for work in the aging services and medical fields.

• The GCD program is a 3-year program for high school students that uses a combination of classroom and hands-on learning to put them on track to receive certification in 5 jobs or areas: certified nursing assistant (CNA), patient care technician, phlebotomy, EKG, and medical coding and billing. The Young Adult Program runs for 10-12 weeks and develops, provides clinical training via an internship, and certifies young adults to become either a home health aide or CNA. After the program, these individuals can immediately join the workforce.

Click here to read the one-page description of this program.