Launched by The New Jewish Home in 2014, the SkillSpring Young Adult Program creates pathways for economic mobility for underserved individuals to enter the workforce

NEW YORK, NY (January 23, 2025)—SkillSpring, a workforce training program created by The New Jewish Home (TNJH) celebrated the graduation of its young adult cohorts on Wednesday. Since its inception, SkillSpring has trained over a thousand individuals, fulfilling critical staffing needs in skilled nursing facilities throughout New York City.

Today, 43 participants were recognized for completing the intensive three-month course, earning Certified Nursing Assistant credentials. The program connects young individuals with health care career opportunities at participating health care providers and offers them mentorship on workforce entry.  Of SkillSpring program alumni, 93% are currently employed, enrolled in post-secondary programs, or both.

“Each SkillSpring graduation signifies progress in meeting the staffing needs of health care providers serving New York’s aging population,” said Dr. Jeffrey Farber, President and Chief Executive Officer of The New Jewish Home. “As our city’s aging population grows, it’s crucial to support solutions to a growing workforce crisis. Expanding SkillSpring in New York City and beyond is a vital part of that solution.”

The Skillspring Young Adult program was launched in 2014 to address the needs of young people who are out-of-school, unemployed, and faced with multiple barriers. This free, three-month program engages, trains, and supports underserved young adults ages 18-27 to begin meaningful careers in health care. While in the program, participants receive a variety of benefits, including hands-on clinical skills training, daily MetroCards, childcare support, and one-on-one professional development programs.

“Skillspring is about building pathways to economic mobility for New Yorkers who otherwise lack opportunities to join the health care workforce,” said Nicole Cash, Senior Director of the SkillSpring Program. “Many of the young adults we assist confront significant socioeconomic hurdles, including housing, food insecurity, and lack of childcare. Through collaboration with partner organizations, we provide essential resources, deliver high-quality workforce development, and change lives. We are so proud of this group of young people for all they have accomplished over the past three months and are excited to see where their health care journey will take them.” 

Young adults who successfully complete SkillSpring attain Certified Nursing Assistant credentials and are guaranteed a job offer from partnering skilled nursing providers. After graduating, alumni receive resume and cover letter guidance, interview preparation, and direct access to employment opportunities. The Young Adult program has graduated over 260 young adults, and around 200 were hired directly by The New Jewish Home.

About SkillSpring:

In 2006, The New Jewish Home launched SkillSpring as a training program for high school students from under-resourced high schools. Starting in 2014, SkillSpring expanded its focus to include young adults (18-27) disconnected from school and work. SkillSpring’s comprehensive occupational and human development training provides underserved young people with the skills, credentials, and employer matching to start working as Certified Nursing Assistants as soon as they successfully complete the program and attain their Certified Nursing Assistant credential. For more information, visit https://jewishhome.org/about-us/skillspring/.

About The New Jewish Home

For the past 175 years, The New Jewish Home has helped older New Yorkers live full and meaningful lives by providing outstanding health care and innovative programming. The New Jewish Home is a comprehensive, mission-driven nonprofit health care system serving older adults of all faiths, ethnicities, and income levels. With campuses in Manhattan and Westchester, The New Jewish Home provides specialized short-term rehabilitation in partnership with Mount Sinai Health System, NYU Langone Health and Burke Rehabilitation Hospital; person-directed long term skilled nursing; adult day health care; geriatric care management and senior housing. The New Jewish Home is a proud partner and founding agency of UJA-Federation of New York. For more information, visit www.jewishhome.org.