11:15 a.m., Friday, Nov. 6

Where:  Academy for Innovative Studies – First Ave. (3013 First Avenue)

Background:  This fall, the Academy for Innovative Studies-First Avenue, began a unique partnership with SWIHSA (Southwestern Indiana Area Health Services Academy) to offer a one-semester Certified Nursing Assistant Program for students at the school who met qualifications.  There are currently 12 enrolled. The program – the first of its kind taught during a high school day in the region – is designed to give students career knowledge that will prepare them with a specific skillset to use in the work world immediately following their high school graduation, or sooner.  Students are learning Medical Terminology, Infection Control, Communication Skills, Documentation Skills, and Vital Signs.

Mia Torres, a senior who already works as a food service assistant at Heritage Center, said she wanted to take the CNA Program at AIS because she “loves making people happy.”   She said she has learned a lot in the 12 weeks she has been in the class. “I like becoming a CNA. I like learning hands on and I want to help individuals to feel independent.”  She said classes are hard, especially on top of her regular classes at school – but “nothing I can’t handle. If you never push yourself, you never know what your limits are.” She added that it makes her happy to see her family look at her with pride. “They are so proud of me….you don’t even know how much!”

Bre’Osha Suggs said that one of her fears when she entered the program was her study habits were probably not as good as they needed to be. “You have to study a lot in this program,” she said. But, she explained the school has set up study sessions before school, at lunch, after school…and even the principal Kristine Eichholz has what she calls her “Sunday” School, helping students study for three hours on Sundays. Bre’Osha wants to build on what she is learning and go to community college to be a nurse or physical therapist.

Anthony Shockley, also a senior in the program, said his life passion has been to “help people make a change in their lives.” He said all of the hard work is paying off.  He studies for the CNA class during two study halls and he meets with teachers in between so that he is going to be able to realize his life’s passion. “After getting my CNA, I would like to become a nursing administrator.”  He believes that as an administrator, he will be able to encourage more males into the profession and eventually change lives around the globe. “Before taking this class, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he said. “I want others to have this opportunity, too – but I know that is going to take funding.”

Several individuals in the community, as well as organizations have donated money, materials, and other items to make this program possible. Principal Eichholz said at the event last week recognizing sponsors that the idea for this program began with a desire to have a pathway for students to leave school with a real career and skills.  Even up to two weeks before school started, not everything they needed was in place – but by reaching out to community partners, school officials and others – funding and materials were secured and the program began.

Each student must have $1,070 In order to participate in this program, and individuals and organizations have filled that need this fall, but fundraising for future semesters is ongoing .  This semester’s sponsors include the following:

SWIHSA (Southwestern Indiana Area Health Services Academy)

Heritage Center

AHEC (Area Health Educational Center)

Work One

EVSC Student Response Fund