Opening Doors to Healthcare Careers on Long Island

Through two grant-funded partnerships, the Adelphi University College of Professional and Continuing Studies is helping adult learners in underserved communities earn certifications and build financial stability.

This spring marks a milestone for communities across Long Island. The initial participants in two grant-funded programs implemented through the Adelphi University College of Professional and Continuing Studies are nearing completion of their certification courses.

"We partner with community groups that directly service community members as a way to provide opportunities for upward mobility for folks to get access and entry into careers that offer a livable wage," says Sandra Castro, PhD, senior associate dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies at Adelphi University.

For the students in these programs, earning a certification is the first step toward a healthcare career and the financial stability that comes with it.

Preparing Hempstead Adults for In-Demand Healthcare Roles

When Adelphi University launched a partnership with The Audacia Foundation Inc. and 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) in late 2025, the response from the community was immediate. To identify and enroll students, the program turned to Hempstead Union Free School District's Adult and Community Education Program, and demand quickly outpaced expectations. "We started with one cohort, and then about six weeks later, another cohort-and people are still calling to enroll," says Audrey Gottlieb, director of adult and community education at Hempstead Union Free School District.

Roughly 36 students received a full scholarship and are expected to complete the Clinical Medical Assistant certification course by June. "This scholarship is really impactful," Gottlieb says. "Depending on the school, this program could cost $4,000 or more. For someone making minimum wage, that expense can be difficult to meet."

Many of the enrolled students came through Hempstead's adult education program, and the district also hosted the in-person classes. Students pursuing careers in vital healthcare and social service fields were eligible to apply for the fully funded scholarships.

"There is a pressing need for adults to obtain credentials efficiently, in ways that allow for rapid entry into sustainable careers," Gottlieb notes. Many adult learners in the Hempstead Adult and Community Education Program are navigating day-to-day financial responsibilities while working demanding jobs, which makes participation in extended programs impractical. In response to these realities, courses have been intentionally structured differently from traditional models, allowing students to complete certification within a condensed time frame of approximately three to four months.

"The biggest benefit is that students are learning how to invest in themselves and think about their future, and it gives a sense of dignity and opportunity," Gottlieb says.

Supporting Formerly Incarcerated Women on the Path to Healthcare Careers

This May, the first student cohort will graduate from Empowerment Through Employment: Adelphi University and New Hour For Women and Children LI health careers program. Funded by a grant from M&T Charitable Foundation's Amplify Fund, this program benefits formerly incarcerated women through New Hour For Women and Children LI's network of community programs and support services. "Three out of four are moms, so we recognize that the need for higher education and licensure is really critical to creating a safe stable home and economic stability," says Serena Martin '05, founder and executive director of New Hour For Women and Children LI.

The program connects women to Adelphi's professional certification courses to prepare New Hour For Women and Children LI members for in-demand healthcare careers such as clinical medical assistants, sterile processing and surgical technician assistants, veterinary assistants, medical billing and coding, EKG technicians and more. The grant also provided women with laptops and the software they need to complete their certification. "A lot of funders and higher education folks underestimate the cost for returning students who are living paycheck to paycheck," Martin says.

The courses, which are fully online and asynchronous, were designed to accommodate students' competing priorities. "Most women are already working, they're already parenting," Martin says. "Being able to do the course on their own time, at their own pace-after work or after they put the kids to bed-is really amazing."

To ensure success after graduation, Adelphi provides support with résumé-building assistance, career counseling, interview preparation and job search assistance, individual counseling, and externship placement. Students also receive biweekly check-ins, in-person lunches with Adelphi staff and a dedicated case manager.

Members like Tiara [last name withheld] exemplify the drive and determination of women participating in the program. The clinical medical assistant program certificate she's earned is just one credential on the path to becoming a certified medical assistant.

Funding currently covers two cohorts over two years. The next will start in June with another group of women. Interest in the program has been strong since the launch-there's already a waitlist for the next cohort-and New Hour For Women and Children LI and Adelphi are actively seeking funding for additional cohorts in the future.

"Our women are so thirsty to work," Martin says. "You will not find a more responsible worker than someone who understands what it's like to have lost their freedom and is now looking to fight hard and get back on their feet."