PATH supports health careers students

The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) is a grant program which has helped 221 Kankakee Community College students in the last year.

PATH is a statewide grant program that creates, supports, and expands opportunities for individuals studying nursing and other select healthcare pathways in Illinois. Through PATH, Illinois community colleges are expanding access to healthcare training opportunities, allowing more students to obtain credentials and degrees that allow them to enter and/or advance in their careers in the healthcare industry.

“PATH opens doors to healthcare careers for students who may not have had the opportunity,” said Jenna Sambrooks, the health careers navigator at KCC. Sambrooks connects students to internal and external supports including mental health services, financial aid, scholarships, and financial literacy.

“I have seen firsthand, time and time again, PATH make immediate and effective difference in the lives of the students and consequently, their families and the community,” Sambrooks said. “PATH is an invaluable resource, not just for short term assistance, but for the long-term success of the students.”

The target populations for PATH funding are incumbent workers; new students with an identified need for support and an intention to continue their employment in Illinois; and low-income, first generation, and minority students.

“They want to see you be successful and the PATH program has helped me maintain my class work while also helping financially,” said Brandy Grove of Manteno, who received PATH funding while working toward becoming a registered nurse. “It has helped me stay where I need to be so that I can be successful and finish my degree. The program has also helped with building a better budget and better skills to handle finances.”

“I came out strong. It made me want to be a better person in helping others, including myself,” said Gwyneaetta Ford of Bourbonnais, who completed KCC’s Certified Nursing Assistant class. “The program motivated me … from the encouragement from teachers and classmates. You have to put in the work and effort into what you want, it will not be given to you, but the help is there.”

KCC offers health careers associate degrees and certificates in six areas: nursing, paramedic, respiratory therapist, physical therapist assistant, radiography and medical laboratory technology.

PATH Grant Impact

• The PATH program has successfully expanded the health care workforce and supports diverse students in pursuing careers in high-demand health careers.
• In Fiscal Year 2023, Illinois community colleges enrolled more than 27,600 students in the PATH grant, 45% which were first generation college students.
• Through PATH, Illinois community colleges have engaged 1,032 employers across the state, successfully opened 27 newly developed healthcare programs, and expanded 74 healthcare programs.

Source: ICCB PATH Grant data.

PATH grant at KCC – Fiscal Year 2024

• 31% of Health Careers students in Associate Degree, Advanced Certificate and Certificate programs received PATH funds
• 221 students received a total of $66,397.21 in direct support from the PATH grant.
• PATH grant funds to help with textbook costs, access codes, costs of physicals, vaccines and background checks, fees for licensing exams, as well as other expenses.
• PATH funds were also used to update equipment, which benefits all students.

Source: KCC records.

About this article

The Fall 2024 information series highlights programs offered at Illinois community colleges, where community support can expand access to higher education and foster a skilled workforce.

Week of Nov. 4: Dual Credit - The community colleges of Illinois, including KCC, are leading the way as the primary providers of dual credit. Dual credit programs provide high school students the opportunity to earn credits towards their diploma and college degree while in high school.

Week of Nov. 11: Workforce Equity Initiative – Eighteen community colleges in Illinois participate in the Workforce Equity Initiative, which expands skills training and support to at-risk communities while addressing the workforce gaps in Illinois.