Recent graduates of the Jeremiah’s Hope healthcare training program were celebrated at St. Vincent’s Birmingham on Wednesday, May 18.
Jeremiah’s Hope is a collaboration between Jefferson State and Ascension St. Vincent’s, with the college’s Center for Workforce Education providing training in various healthcare programs and wrap-around services. More than 50 students have graduated from the program since the collaboration began in 2020.
Program Manager Kim Sztanyo welcomed those in attendance at the Bruno Conference Center, Student Development Coordinator Shelia Smith commissioned the graduates, and JSCC Career Coach Angela Payne offered reflections and a prayer.
Guin Robinson, dean of economic development for Jefferson State, gave the graduation address.
“We’re proud of you,” Robinson told the graduates. “We’re proud of what you accomplished because it wasn’t easy, but you made it.”
Graduates Payal Kothari and Alicia Wells gave testimonies about their experience in the program.
“We are making a difference in someone’s life every day,” Kothari said about healthcare careers.
“I am so grateful to Jeremiah’s Hope,” Wells said. “It changed my life.”
Graduates in attendance included:
Clinical Medical Assistant
- Veronica Catalano
- Payal Dalal
- Terrica Harris
- Neepa Shah
- Britney Watts
- Kichi Williams
- Alicia Wells
- Sherry Duncan
- Krystina Finch
- Wessie Jones
- Janeth Castro
- Sheila Clark
- Danielle Clark
- Raniesha Smith
- Kaitlyn Sweatman
Administrative Medical Assistant
- Jada James
- Kendall Mason
- April Thomas
The Jeremiah’s Hope program provides scholarships to students seeking workforce training in high-need essential healthcare fields. Classes take place across Jefferson State’s four campuses. The programs offered are directly aligned with the workforce talent needs of Ascension St. Vincent’s.
The programs in Jeremiah’s Hope include a career coach to assist each participant. The career coach will assist with support services and coaching to ensure participants progress in the program. Together with Ascension St. Vincent’s, the program provides clinical education experiences required of the programs to ensure work-based learning competencies are met before entering the workforce.
To learn more about these training opportunities, call (205) 838-3856 or complete an online interest form at jhacademy.org.