Asnuntuck Receives SNAP Funding for Healthcare Career Programs

Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) has received an additional $50,000 in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding for scholarships in the college’s  Healthcare Career programs.

ACC is a partner in the SNAP E&T Program, a federally-funded initiative that provides scholarships for SNAP recipients to receive the training needed to obtain jobs with high growth prospects. These funds are administered through the Department of Social Services (DSS).

“We are receiving additional funds because we are considered an ‘exceptional performer’ aligning SNAP recipients with healthcare employment skills,” said ACC President James Lombella. “This funding will allow us to effectively take down barriers to education so our students can reach their full potential.”

President Lombella said the college may utilize these funds for qualified students immediately through Oct. 1 when $201,000 in the second round of funding will be available. This brings ACC’s total SNAP funding to approximately $650,000 across three years for the college’s non-credit Allied Health licensure programs.

“This investment will help Asnuntuck Community College continue to provide well-trained healthcare workers to state employers,” said Board of Regents President Gregory Gray. “It will also support creation of real opportunities for students to prepare for a career in healthcare.”

Persons receiving SNAP assistance may be eligible to take one of ACC’s 13 Healthcare Career Certificate programs: Esthetician, Nail Technician, EMT, Phlebotomy and EKG Technician, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapist, Dental Assistant, Veterinary Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Ophthalmic Assistant, Public Safety Dispatcher, Certified Professional Coder and Sterilization Technician.

“We are grateful to the Connecticut Department of Social Services for this funding,” said Eileen Peltier, ACC’s Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education. “It is another way that Asnuntuck is making education and career advancement a reality for so many.”

She also added that anyone interested in this training who does not receive SNAP benefits, may qualify under the Workforce Investment Act or Trade Adjustment Act for most of the programs. “Students paying out of pocket will find that our tuition costs are some of the lowest around and we have flexible payment plans available,” Peltier said.

With a nearly 100 percent graduation rate and job placements/externships at approximately 80 percent, ACC’s Healthcare Career Certificate programs have been recognized for being one of the most successful classroom to career programs in the region.  In weeks to months, ACC Healthcare Career Certificate students obtain the hands-on experience they need to secure jobs in phlebotomy, massage therapy, medical coding, veterinary assistant and much more.

In addition to SNAP scholarship funding, ACC students can take advantage of the college’s free, collaborative childcare services and free transportation on Enfield’s Magic Carpet bus system.  “I encourage anyone who is interested in a career change to contact us today,” said Peltier. For more information or to register, call the Department of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at 860.253.3034 or 860.253.3066.