Education Access & Quality
Access to quality education is about much more than job prospects - it shapes health knowledge, financial stability, and the ability to make informed decisions about well-being. From early learning to adult education, educational opportunities give individuals the tools to manage their health, achieve independence, and actively engage in their communities. However, limited access to quality education and low health literacy can widen disparities and negatively impact health outcomes for generations.
Ways Broadlawns is Supporting Education Access and Quality
Broadlawns Medical Center is committed to fostering growth, health literacy, and career development in our community. Through strategic partnerships and specialized programs, we’re creating pathways to healthcare careers while equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to promote lifelong wellness. Our education initiatives include:
In collaboration with Urban Dreams, Central Iowa HealthWorks, Iowa Workforce Development, Evelyn K. Davis Center, Des Moines Public Schools, and DMACC, Broadlawns offers paid apprenticeship programs that provide hands-on healthcare training to individuals in our community:
TECH (Training and Education for a Career in Healthcare): Designed for high school students facing barriers to employment, this program offers Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training to prepare students for future roles in healthcare.
TEACH (Training and Education for Adults): Tailored for adults who have faced significant employment challenges, this program offers both basic and advanced CNA training, helping them enter or advance in the healthcare field.
Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program: As Iowa’s first registered apprenticeship for nursing, this program supports students from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuing a career in nursing. The three-to-four-year program combines classroom learning, on-the-job training, and shadowing opportunities at Broadlawns, with tuition assistance provided through our partnership with DMACC.
Behavioral Health Apprenticeship Program: This program offers a structured pathway into behavioral health careers, providing participants with comprehensive training and practical experience over two to three-years. Supported by Iowa Workforce Development, the program aims to expand access to behavioral health services in our community while building a skilled workforce.
These apprenticeship programs are part of Broadlawns’ commitment to addressing the social determinants of health. By providing job training, career support, and health literacy resources, we are empowering community members to achieve their full potential in healthcare. Through hands-on experience, financial support, and dedicated mentorship, we're helping create a healthier, more resilient workforce.
Priorities for Support:
- Expanding apprenticeship opportunities
- Increasing health literacy programs
- Building partnerships with local schools and educational institutions
- Supporting career development in healthcare fields
- Enhancing access to behavioral health education