Sanborn, NY - People Inc. and Niagara County Community College (NCCC) have teamed up to cultivate new nurses within our communities. This fall, nine employees from People Inc. will enroll into the one-year Practical Nursing certificate program at NCCC. An additional 25 People Inc. employees will register for prerequisite courses, allowing them to enter the Practical Nursing program in September 2023. In order for them to succeed, People Inc. has agreed to reduce their full time employment to 20 hours per week while they are in school. Furthermore, People Inc. is committed to paying these employees their full time salaries. 

“In line with People Inc. values, the program was created in an effort to further invest in staff development and growth, and ultimately, improved capacity to care for those we support. We are growing our own nurses,” says Bonnie Sloma, Senior Vice President of People Inc.  “It’s all part of our intention to be the employer of choice.”

Lydia Ulatowski, NCCC Vice President of Academic Affairs agrees, stating, “When People, Inc. approached the College about a partnership, we realized the importance of this opportunity.  It gives People Inc. employees a chance to upscale their skills by enrolling in our LPN program while maintaining their employment with the agency.  Collaboratively, we are contributing to the much needed workforce of the health care industry.” 

Dr. Diane Pytlik-Flammia, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Nursing, Physical & Allied Health programs, shares, “The partnership that has been formed will provide People Inc. staff with a unique opportunity to earn their LPN degree and advance in their careers. Forming these types of partnerships assists with the nursing shortage that has been seen within our community. We are pleased to continue working with People Inc. by providing flexible, evening classes and quality education for these LPN students. 

Coordination and financial support of this immense opportunity was made possible by PharmAmerica, BrightSpring Health Services’ Equus Workforce Solutions department, Niagara WorkSource One, the US Department of Labor and the New York State Department of Labor along with the People Inc. Foundation and Rivershore Foundation. 

NCCC is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York, the largest public university system in the country. The College provides more than 50 certificate and degree programs and is funded by the Niagara County Legislature, the State University of New York, and student tuition. 

Learn more about this initiative in an article from The Buffalo News.