At Empowered Aging, we believe in fresh starts, second chances, and the power of community care. The Healthcare Career Pathway (HCP) is the heart of that mission, offering students the tools, confidence, and support to launch fulfilling healthcare careers and care for those who need it most.
Co-founded in 2019 by Empowered Aging, Mt. Diablo Adult Education, and Opportunity Junction, HCP began as a way to fill the CNA shortage in Contra Costa County.
Statewide, the program is active in six counties, with cohorts currently running in Alameda, Contra Costa, Sonoma, Lake, and Kern. Mendocino County is expected to launch its first cohort this fall. As of August 2025, 281 students have been enrolled in the program, 216 have graduated, and 39 are currently enrolled.
Sonoma County
Fox Pacific Academy, Santa Rosa, CA*
Senior Advocacy Services, Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County Job Link, Santa Rosa, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro Adult & Career Education, San Leandro, CA*
Alameda Area Agency on Aging, Oakland, CA
Alameda County Workforce Development Board, Oakland, CA
Rubicon Programs, Oakland, CA
Lake and Mendocino County
Lake County Office of Education; Adult School, Lakeport, CA*
Mendocino County Office of Education; Adult School, Ukiah, CA*
Mendocino/Lake Adult & Career Education Consortium, CA
Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, Napa, CA
Kern County
Academy of Health Careers, Bakersfield, CA*
Kern County Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Bakersfield, CA
Contra Costa County (original sites**)
Mt. Diablo Adult Education, Concord CA*
Opportunity Junction, Antioch, CA*
Empowered Aging, Pleasant Hill, CA
*Indicates CNA training sites
**Initial funding for the HCP pilot program was generously provided by John Muir Community Health Fund and food support partners include Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa and the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano. The HCP grant funded through HCAI supports programs outside of Contra Costa County only.
Support That Changes Lives
HCP students often come to our program facing real barriers, whether it’s childcare, transportation, financial stress, or lack of confidence. What they find is a program designed to meet them where they are, with CNA training, clinical experience, wraparound services, job readiness support, and personalized coaching.
The Results Speak Volumes:
- 96% achieve their education goals
- 94% find employment
- 93% plan to work as CNAs within the year
- Average post-program wage: $21.97/hour
- 61% plan to pursue more advanced healthcare training
“I went from doing nothing to doing something big—and I just want to continue to grow within it.”
— Jenna, HCP graduate and young mother
Hear from Our Students Firsthand
Watch this short video of HCP graduates sharing their powerful stories and the impact the program has had on their lives.
Building Confidence and Community
From small class sizes to simulation labs and mental health check-ins, the Healthcare Career Pathway is about more than certification, it’s about empowerment. Students graduate ready to care for others and themselves.
“The program prepared me for being respectful and promoting patients’ dignity and independence.”
— Cameron, HCP graduate
Whether they’re new mothers, career changers, or first-generation students, our graduates walk away from HCP with a stronger sense of purpose, and the skills to match.
Looking Ahead
With continued support from our community and funding from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), HCP will launch in Mendocino County this fall—expanding our reach and bringing hope and opportunity to even more students.
Want to Get Involved?
Join us in creating brighter futures by spreading the word, becoming a program partner, or making a contribution. Every step forward starts with support.
Contact us: info@empoweredaging.org
Learn more: www.healthcarecareerpathway.org