Despite decades of work to make higher education more accessible, significant barriers still prevent many prospective students from ever attending university.
Recently, the University of Utah launched a nonprofit spin-off called Proxima to bring together academia, healthcare providers, community organizations and policymakers to break down these barriers and train Utahns from marginalized communities and populations for future jobs in hospitals and clinics.
Most importantly, the collective is fulfilling a promise it made to the West Valley City community nearly three years ago when the university announced plans for a hospital on the west side that would provide both jobs and training opportunities.
“The problem is not that we lack skilled workers. The problem is the enormous barriers to training. These barriers range from financial to social, informational, geographic and more,” said Rich Saunders, CEO of Proxima. “Thousands of people are willing and able, but they struggle to get the training they need to work in healthcare.”
The efforts are increasing as Utah’s healthcare industry faces a critical workforce shortage:
- Utah has the fewest nurse population in the country and nearly 3,000 nursing job openings.
- In Utah, demand exceeds supply for nearly all types of mental health professionals. The current number of child, family, and social workers meets only about 44% of Utah’s needs.
- In Utah, there is a shortage of mental health professionals in every county, and the number of professionals per 100,000 residents is lower than the national average (222 compared to 334 in the United States).
Launching in early 2024, Proxima uses a “care team” approach very similar to that used in healthcare to identify potential learners, help them meet basic needs, envision a future in healthcare and find the college program that best fits them. Whether someone needs to complete a GED or is applying to Salt Lake Community College’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, Proxima helps them envision the next step in healthcare education, overcome any obstacles, prepare for employment and plan for their long-term career advancement, Saunders said.
The partners are working to provide students with training that meets the growing need for a healthcare workforce. Benefit corporations are for-profit companies dedicated to creating “general public benefit” based on the social and environmental impact of their work.
An initial group of 9 students from Roots Charter High School in West Valley City began their nursing assistant training in mid-February and are now completing their certification and applying for jobs. Proxima’s proof of concept phase now includes around 130 participants who are either planning to train, enrolling, participating in training or have completed their training. Most are focused on nursing assistant, paramedic or medical assistant programs, each following a career plan supported by Proxima.
“I’m not sure we would ever have this support without Proxima,” said Alisa Amani, a counselor at Roots High School. “The majority of our students don’t have the opportunity to get career and job advice. Our students are used to being left behind and not being able to contact anyone, and they need ongoing support.”
The team focuses on six pillars: thorough pre-screening; intensive coaching and consulting; building trust through consistency; intensive coaching and consulting; comprehensive services and resources; pre-training and customized workshops; and finally, job shadowing and professional coaching.
This year, hundreds of Proxima participants are expected to complete their academic and pre-vocational training.
“At first I was just excited to graduate with my CNA certification, but now I’m already planning my next steps toward becoming a nurse,” says Natalie, a student at Roots Charter High School.
