Proxima Scholars Highlight
Proxima Scholars in our Herriman Cohort
We’re excited to shine a light on one of our remarkable community-based cohorts at Herriman High School. This diverse group of students—including those pictured here—brings together individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Many joined us from Columbus Adult Education as English language learners, while others came from the surrounding community, drawn by the opportunity to enhance their skills and pursue a meaningful career in healthcare. This path once seemed out of reach—but through determination and support, they’re now taking the first steps toward a future they never thought possible!
Sharing some of the quotes from our scholars:
“It was really difficult at first to understand [the language] but now I am a lot more confident in my English”
“The diversity of the class made it more encouraging and welcoming as I was able to see younger adults, parents, and those with language barriers in the program.”
“Thank you for giving us safety and having a space that promotes learning, exploration, and being able to build our skills”
We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Laura from Herriman High School and the Utah CNA Training Center for their incredible support and collaboration. Their openness and commitment have been instrumental in creating meaningful opportunities for our scholars to grow, learn, and thrive!
Shoutouts
English Language Learners into Healthcare Pathways Workgroup
The English Language Learners into Healthcare Pathways Workgroup brings together a diverse coalition of partners to support multilingual students as they pursue careers in healthcare. Recognizing that language proficiency is a key stepping stone to accessing and thriving in healthcare pathways, this collaborative effort focuses on bridging resources, aligning educational and career services, and deepening our understanding of the unique challenges faced by English language learners.
Supporting multilingual students in this way has long been a core commitment of Proxima’s mission to create equitable career access. Our workgroup includes valued partners such as the English Skills Learning Center, Granite Peaks, University of Utah Health, NeighborWorks, University Neighborhood Partners, the Refugee Services Office, and engaged community members, all working together to ensure that students receive the guidance and support they need to succeed. If you are interested in supporting this effort, please reach out to Kevin.
Proxima’s Equity and Financial Partners
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to both our equity and financial partners whose visionary support is powering Proxima’s bold and complex mission. Our equity partners have taken a courageous step in investing in the future—changing the world one Proxima Scholar at a time. Meanwhile, our financial partners and grantors make it possible for Scholars to access the education and training they need to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare.
The impact of this support is not only transformative for individual Scholars but also resonates across generations and communities. Thank you for believing in Proxima and walking alongside us on this journey. If you’re interested in supporting our work—whether through investment or helping cover education costs for our Scholars—please reach out to rs@proximacareers.org.
Thank you to our student partner, Jude Perno!
Jude Perno, a graduating Bachelor of Social Work student at the U, teamed up with our navigation team in January to help onboard our growing number of Proxima Scholars and improve our intake processes. Jude impressed us all as he combined his background in journalism, social work, and crisis care to level up our communication and support at the point that scholars begin their journeys with us. As he continues on to complete a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the U, we are grateful for his passionate work with us, the support of University Neighborhood Partners in facilitating social work student collaborations, and the testament to the value of student collaboration that Jude’s work represents.
Upcoming Training and Cohort Opportunities
Healthcare Summer Training Opportunity
Summer classes are starting soon at many of our USHE institutions! We’re currently supporting folks the following programs:
- Medical Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Emergency Medical Technician
If you or anyone you know is interested, please fill out our interest form! These are great stepping stones into many healthcare degree programs.
Upcoming Community CNA Training Classes
These courses are hybrid style courses with a mix of in-person once a week and completing online coursework. As always, these programs are sponsored by Proxima and held at community partner locations to help improve accessibility. This will be at NO cost to community members interested in starting. Proxima will provide education planning, connection to resources, job readiness training and job application support once finished.
Requirements: 16 years and older, work authorization in the U.S., English fluency, and an interest in starting a healthcare pathway.
Neighbor Works Salt Lake
Start time: May 19th from 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Neighbor Works Salt Lake Office (622 West 500 North, Salt Lake City, UT 84116)
Please fill out Neighbor Works Interest form to get started.
Ogden Adult Education
Start time: Thursday, June 5th from 5:30-8:00pm
Location: James Madison Elementary School (2563 Monroe Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401)
Please fill out Proxima’s interest form.
Granite Peaks
Start time: Thursday, June 12th from 5:30-8:00pm
Location: Granite Connection High School (501 E 3900 S, Millcreek, UT 84107)
Please fill out Proxima’s interest form.
Outreach Events
High school students at Beehive Academy discussing with Thanh, lead over our research and development, how certificate programs can be stepping stones into advanced degrees.
We were lucky to be next to our friends from SLTech, Chris and Brent, as we chatted with folks during Riverton High School’s Career event about healthcare pathways.
Proxima working to understand how we can support the Davis County community at Davis4Health’s Steering Committee meeting. Great job Davis County Health Department!
Melissa, our lead navigator, discussing healthcare pathways at George Washington High School’s Career Event. Exciting to start doing more work within the Ogden community.
Cameron, our COO, out there at Bud Bailey Apartments connecting with residents and partners during their Resource Fair organized by our partners at Promise.
Granite Peaks held a great College, Career, and Community event. Chandler, our coordinator, connected many adult learners and community members to our program this evening.
Working with our Scholars
Our teammate, Cameron, reads a scenario as Proxima Scholars learn and practice crucial conversation and communication skills in our Job Readiness Workshop.
Esther Kang, U of U College of Nursing Faculty, talking to our Scholars about her journey into nursing, how to navigate the challenges, and what the day in the life of a nurse looks like. Thank you Esther for showing up for our Scholars!
One of our fabulous instructor partners, Peggy, from Utah CNA Training Centers, discussing patient care skills with Proxima Scholars as they prepare for their clinical rotations.
Many of our Scholars that started earlier this year in training programs are now finishing up and getting ready to apply for jobs. Our career coach, Brianda, sits down with them to do some interview prep.
Also, a big thanks to our Utah System of Higher Education partners that we get to work with. Our Scholars are excited to progress within your institutions to advance their education and reach their dreams.
Ways to Get Involved
- Fill out an Interest Form: If you’re interested in exploring healthcare career pathways or maybe you are referring someone over, please fill out our interest form on our website! Visit proximacareers.org and click “Start Your Journey”.
- Follow Us on Social Media: Stay up-to-date on the latest Proxima Careers news and announcements by following us on social media!
- Spread the Word: Share our newsletter and opportunities with anyone who might be interested in a healthcare career!
Message to End
Let’s “spring” in with open arms as we begin our months of community events, fairs, and building new connections. This month has been our navigation team’s busiest month as we work to prepare folks into the next step of their journey through career and education pathway support. We are excited to now begin some new community cohorts and work with more folks and partners in Salt Lake’s neighboring counties.
One thought that really stuck with me during this month of growth, new partnerships, and the complex work of supporting our Scholars is a quote I came across recently:
“Pressure is a privilege. It means things are expected of you.” – Unknown
So here’s to rising to those expectations—together. After all, you can’t make diamonds without a little pressure. 💎🙂
Kevin Nguyen
Director, Partnerships and Community Engagement
Email: kn@proximacareers.org Phone: 801-835-1715
