Institution Richard J. Daley College and the Arturo Velasquez Institute State Illinois Academic Level Associate Issue Area Access Website http://catalog.ccc.edu/academic-program-requirements/community-health-care-worker-basic-certificate/ Key Personnel Alicia Rodriguez Program Focus Bilingual /ESL Overview The Community Health Worker program at Richard J. Daley College and the Arturo Velasquez Institute aims to provide educational access to Latino adult learners on Chicago's southwest side, enabling them to earn a credential and become community leaders. The bilingual (English/Spanish) curriculum, developed in partnership with Enlace Chicago, focuses on increasing the number of credentialed community health workers who enhance health literacy and access in underserved areas. The program supports participants by offering four funding streams: Gateway scholarship, Adult Education Bridge, Future Ready Initiative, and HRSA Grant, ensuring financial barriers are eliminated. Program Description In early 2018, Daley College partnered with Enlace Chicago to offer a bilingual/Spanish Community Health Worker program to serve community residents. The college, along with Malcolm X College, submitted the appropriate paperwork to have the basic certificate program approved by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), with its first cohort starting in Spring 2020. Information sessions are offered throughout the year in collaboration with various community-based organizations to provide potential participants with an overview of the program and options for funding. These sessions are conducted in Spanish and offer a bridge option for Adult Education students transitioning to college credit. To eliminate access barriers, identified students participate in workshops focused on the college application process, preparing for an English placement exam, and meeting with financial aid advisors. Once the application process is completed, students meet with their advisor to register for courses. Outcome Richard J. Daley College and the Arturo Velasquez Institute found that participants in the Community Health Worker have strong completion and retention rates. The program's comprehensive support services also put Latino students on the path to credit-bearing programs. This program participants are 100% Latino. Completion and Retention Rates: Five cohorts of students have completed the program as of Fall 2023, with a retention and completion rate of 91%. Transition to Credited Programs: Over 90% of the students in all five cohorts have transitioned from the College's Adult Education program to Credit. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Illinois Return to Growing What Works Database
