New Partnership to Help Young Adults Pursue Promising Career Paths in Healthcare

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation supports a collaboration between CT State and Nuvance Health to pilot a workforce development program for young adults seeking careers in healthcare.

(Norwalk, CT) (March 25) – Some young adults working towards careers in healthcare will soon gain more robust career development and advancement support thanks to a new pilot initiative announced today by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF).

FCCF has teamed up with Nuvance Health and Connecticut State Community College (CT State) to launch the initiative, which supports young adults ages 18-25 pursuing careers in healthcare.

“Our region cannot reach its full economic potential without robust cross-sector collaboration and the inclusion of all residents in quality workforce opportunities,” said Mendi Blue Paca, President & CEO of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. “This dynamic public-private-philanthropic partnership exemplifies how the Community Foundation is committed to supporting collective efforts that create a region where residents have the tools, guidance, and resources to build clear paths to career advancement and economic mobility, and businesses thrive.”

Complementing current workforce development efforts in Fairfield County and the state, the Career Pathways initiative also includes deep financial investments to support nonprofit partners in providing local young adults from the greater Bridgeport and Norwalk areas with the training, mentorship, and wraparound services needed to succeed as they transition into the healthcare sector.

“This innovative program is designed to address the needs of both young people and the business community,” said Sheila Perrin, who, along with her husband Charles, is a primary donor to the Career Pathways initiative. “By investing in education and workforce development—key areas of focus for us—we are strengthening our community’s future. We hope to inspire others to join us in building and expanding Career Pathway programs.”

While the initial pilot focuses on the healthcare sector, FCCF hopes to expand to other sectors as part of a broader investment in the model known as Career Pathways.

“At CT State, our mission is to provide innovative, accessible education that prepares students for success in high-demand careers. This partnership with Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and Nuvance Health is a powerful example of how collaboration can create real pathways to opportunity—equipping young adults with not only the necessary training but also the support to build meaningful, long-term careers in healthcare,” said Dr. John Maduko, Connecticut State Community College President. “By offering hands-on learning and real-world experience, this initiative will empower students while strengthening the future of Connecticut’s healthcare workforce.”

“The future of healthcare depends on a skilled, diverse workforce, and we’re proud to play a role in developing that future,” said Katie Cullinan, Nuvance Health’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “By partnering with FCCF and CT State, we hope to ensure that people in our community not only have expanded access to career opportunities, but also the ongoing support they need to succeed at work, while also strengthening our local healthcare system.”

The Career Pathways Initiative will host a public launch event in mid-June.

MEDIA INQUIRY CONTACTS:

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
Krista Carnes Communications Director
kcarnes@fccfoundation.org
203.750.3242

Nuvance Health
Griffin Cooper
Public & Community Affairs Associate
griffin.cooper@nuvancehealth.org
475.296.5111

CT State Community College
Melissa Lamar
Director of Media & Public Relations
Melissa.lamar@ctstate.edu
860.773.1407

About Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation is partnering with our community to create a county where every person has an equitable opportunity to thrive. We work closely with community organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and philanthropists to address challenges and identify opportunities to create a stronger, more vibrant community. Informed by three decades of partnering with and serving our community, we have awarded more than $365 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond.

About Connecticut State Community College
Following the merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges on July 1, 2023, CT State Community College is now the largest community college in the Northeast and sixth-largest in the nation, serving a diverse population of nearly 70,000 students annually that is more than 50 percent students of color. As Connecticut’s largest and most affordable institution, CT State provides high-quality accessible, inclusive education that enables students to achieve their life and career goals.

About Nuvance Health
Nuvance Health is a system of award-winning nonprofit hospitals and outpatient healthcare services throughout the Hudson Valley and western Connecticut, including Danbury Hospital and its New Milford campus, Norwalk Hospital and Sharon Hospital in Connecticut; Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York. Nuvance Health offers the latest prevention, diagnostic, medical, surgical and rehabilitation services, including through the Cancer, Digestive Health, Heart & Vascular and Neuroscience Institutes; and primary and specialty care services through Nuvance Health Medical Practices. Nuvance Health also provides convenient healthcare through home care, urgent care and telehealth visits. Visit nuvancehealth.org for more information. TTY: 1-800-421-1220