Project Description Narrative:
The Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Foundation (on behalf of MATC) will expedite the process by which underrepresented students enter and complete the healthcare pathway, leading to greater equity of representation in healthcare and better community health outcomes.
Through this project, MATC will determine, implement, and assess systemic changes to its student scholarship and support programs, creating greater opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to enter healthcare professions. MATC will partner with Milwaukee Public Schools, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and regional healthcare systems and providers to recruit, educate, and place diverse candidates in the healthcare workforce.
The nation faces a health workforce crisis: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020), health care careers account for the largest gap between available talent and the number of job openings. As of August 2020, the nationwide shortage was a staggering 1,107,000 positions. Wisconsin healthcare organizations reflect the national shortage, with vacancies in registered nurses, lab technologists, surgical technicians, and certified nursing assistant roles. According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association, in addition to physician shortages, Wisconsin hospitals are challenged to recruit surgical techs, lab techs, and respiratory therapists—positions for which a person can practice with a technical diploma or associate degree.
MATC offers certificates, technical diplomas, and associate degrees in more than 27 health-related areas, including these high-demand positions.
Community partners: Advocate Aurora Health, Center for Healthcare Careers of SE Wisconsin, Employ Milwaukee, Froedtert Memorial Hospital, MATC Foundation, MATC Health Care Pathway, Milwaukee Anchor Collaborative, Milwaukee Public Schools, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee