Congratulations, ACT Graduates!

We’re so proud of our Fall 2019 ACT graduates! These 10 women completed our 3rd cohort of the Avenues to Career Training (ACT) Healthcare Program in Alexandria. During the eight-week course, the women learned healthcare terminology while enriching their reading, writing and math skills. Field trips to Northern Virginia Community College‘s Medical Campus in Springfield and NOVA Woodbridge (one of their workforce divisions) to meet with career advisors helped students see where they would study and ask important questions about eligibility, registration and specific programs. Guest speakers also helped them learn more about healthcare opportunities. They heard from a public health nurse, registered dietician/nutritionist, medical scribe and Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education healthcare advisor.

Through a partnership with Computer CORE, they received weekly computer learning sessions. Students also created a resume and designed a PowerPoint presentation, which they each presented on the last day of class/graduation. PowerPoints were about themselves and which healthcare career they are interested in pursuing. Career exploration and interest skills exercises are a big part of the program, and help students discern how best their interests and skills align with a healthcare certification program. We will continue to provide support to our graduates as they pursue training and certification in their chosen fields, which include: nursing; medical billing; medical assistant; dental assistant; and dietician.

ACT (previously known as the Pre-Apprenticeship Program) is an 8-week program that enriches reading, writing and math skills using contextualized healthcare instruction to help community members who need some extra support prepare to train for skilled jobs in healthcare. ACT is based at our Financial Empowerment Center at South County and is operated in partnership with Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development. It is made possible through a grant from Fairfax County and the generosity of supporters like YOU!

Visit our Avenues to Career Training page to learn more.