The approach
This new initiative will create pathways for students in historically marginalized communities to enter high-demand, financially sustainable health care careers by helping them earn certifications and credentials, according to county documents.
“I’m just thrilled to say that,” said Donna Nichols, Bastrop Public Health Department director, during a meeting July 14. “For many of you, you know we have a considerable number of individuals that live below the poverty line. That number is exactly 47%.”
The details
The Bastrop County Public Health Department will lead the Create A Job, Save A Job program in partnership with area nonprofit organizations, according to St. David’s Foundation officials.
Although St. David’s Foundation received more than 122 additional letters of interest for funding, only nine other organizations, representing approximately $8 million in grant funding, were selected for awards, including:
- Austin Black Physicians Association
- Capital IDEA
- E3 Alliance
- El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission
- Healing Hands Community Birthing Project
- Huston-Tillotson University
- Social Finance
- United Way for Greater Austin
- Workforce Solutions Capital Area
These organizations, including the Bastrop County Public Health Department, could help more than 1,200 new students enroll in certification and credentialing programs annually, according to St. David’s Foundation officials.
“We’re excited to invest in bold, community-driven solutions that open pathways to meaningful and financially stable health care careers for Central Texans, especially those long excluded from opportunity,” Regan Gruber Moffitt, vice president of community investments at St. David’s Foundation, said in a news release.
