Program Information
The Healthcare Education and Life-skills Program (HELP) is a partnership between SUNY Adirondack Community College and Adirondack Health Institute (AHI). The program, funded by the New York State Department of Health from 2026 through 2030, aims to tackle the regional healthcare workforce shortage by improving access to healthcare education and training in underserved and underrepresented communities.
The program builds upon the strengths and effectiveness of two existing programs: SUNY Adirondack’s Healthcare Pathways program, and AHI’s Healthcare Workforce BOOST program.
The program provides recruitment and outreach to attract more individuals into a wide range of healthcare careers, increases training opportunities for aspiring and current healthcare employees, and provides wraparound support to healthcare students and trainees to reduce barriers to program completion.
Read more about the grant-funded partnership here: SUNY Adirondack receives $5 million grant
Scholarship Opportunities
AHI’s primary role in the partnership is to provide wraparound support to healthcare students. The HELP Scholarship Program is designed to support students through their training and as a bridge to employment after the completion of training.
Scholarships support tuition and fees, rent, childcare, utility, and vehicle maintenance costs. Post-graduate awards can cover living expenses as well as continuing education, certification, or test preparation costs as students transition from training to full time employment. All scholarships include career coaching support and assistance navigating work-based learning opportunities.
Student Experiences
“It takes a huge weight off my shoulders. Being a nurse has been a lifelong dream of mine, but the financial part is the hardest thing about it all. The scholarship has given me peace of mind and will allow me to focus on my academics without the anxiety / distraction of trying to find a second job.”
“The program helped me with vehicle expenses I needed to pass my car inspection. I start in September however with getting the help now on my vehicle I’m now able to commute to school in September.”
“With the financial assistance provided by HELP I was able to purchase an NCLEX review course which guaranteed me passing my test.”
“Rental assistance allowed me to focus on my NCLEX and smoothly transition from graduation to my job that was secured for August.”
HELP Program Partners
Learn More
To learn more about the HELP Scholarship Program, email Jesse Byers, Career Resource Manager: jbyers@ahihealth.org.
To learn more about the SUNY Adirondack Healthcare Pathways program, email healthcarepathways@sunyacc.edu.
Resources for Current Students and Aspiring Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare careers have accessible entry points and provide a clear career ladder. There is a healthy local job market for these roles, and trained individuals are in high demand.
Individuals who are 18 or older without a degree or any prior experience can enter free, short-term training programs to become a Personal Care Aide (PCA), Home Health Aide (HHA), or Certified Nurse Aide (CNA). Those who complete these programs generally find employment right away, with local salaries over $30,000.
For many, practical nursing can be the next step in a healthcare career. Practical nursing programs involve about a year of training and include examinations leading to Licensed Practical Nurse certification. New hires in these roles may earn around $40,000 to $60,000.
Registered Nurses train through associates-level or bachelors-level degree programs, such as SUNY Adirondack’s Nursing AAS program. These programs require science-related prerequisites, and include general education courses, nursing coursework, and clinical rotations. New Registered Nurses in this area earn over $70,000 annually, and typically secure employment immediately after graduating from the nursing program.
Healthcare career pathways information:
- NYS AHEC offers a variety of resources and guides on health career options and education pathways
- Hudson Mohawk AHEC offers a Health Careers Exploration Guide and a Career Resource Guide
- Caring Gene provides easy-to-navigate information about a variety of healthcare career pathways
Healthcare-related training programs:
- Healthcare Pathways offers free training programs for Personal Care Aide (PCA), Home Health Aide (HHA), or Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- WSWHE BOCES offers a Practical Nursing / LPN Program
- SUNY Adirondack offers several degree programs, including Nursing, Health Sciences, and Criminal Justice: Substance Use and Addiction Services
- SUNY Plattsburgh offers an RN to BSN Nursing Program
- SUNY Adirondack Continuing Education offers healthcare-related workforce development courses
- WSWHE BOCES offers healthcare-related programs for high school students, including Health Occupations, New Visions Health Careers Exploration, and Emergency Medical Technician
- The New York State Department of Labor offers Registered Apprenticeships in several healthcare fields
Additional funding opportunities for students:
- Adirondack Regional Healthcare Workforce BOOST Program
- Caring Gene
- Nurses Across New York Loan Forgiveness Program
- AHEC Scholars Program
- Federal Financial Aid Resources , FAFSA, and Pell Grant information
- New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Excelsior Scholarship, and SUNY Reconnect programs
Learn More
For support in navigating career pathways, resources and opportunities, email Jesse Byers, Career Resource Manager: jbyers@ahihealth.org.
