Six Salem-Keizer high school students went through 170 hours of class and clinic time to get the training to be Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA).  They graduate from the program on May 15, and, if they pass the state certification test, are ready and able to join the health care work force.

This is the first group of students to go through the CNA training process offered by CAREER (Creating Avenues and Resources for Education and Employment) program.  It's funded through a grant from the Enterprise for Employment and Education and the Workforce Investment Act (which partners with Salem-Keizer Public Schools).

Four of the students are from North Salem High School and two are from the Early College High School Program.  More students are lined up to go through the program this summer.

CAREER Program works with youth who have barriers to education and employment by enhancing their opportunities with individual case management.  Some of the opportunities offered by the CAREER Program include: a mentoring program that focuses on work readiness skills, career exploration and an internship program that focuses on individual interests of the youth and pays a stipend.

If you would like more information about the CAREER program, please contact Paula Barringer at North Salem High School, 503-399-3241 or barringer_paula@salkeiz.k12.or.us.