January 11, 2021 (Middletown, Conn.) — Middlesex Community College (MxCC) announced a new partnership with Middletown WORKS, a Working Cities Challenge Initiative led by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. The career enrichment program is designed for continuing education students seeking educational success, with priority given to single parents, low-income residents, the unemployed or those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
“This collaborative partnership will positively impact new and current students, college staff, faculty and the community at large in ways that will help promote new learning, create more inclusive systems to serve special populations and inspire innovative ideas to engage with our community,” said Rebecca Lemanski, Middletown WORKS director.
With the goal to get people back to work quickly, Middletown WORKS will provide a career navigation team for eligible students who enroll in specific continuing education programs at Middlesex Community College. A career coach and career navigator will connect these students to community resources, help overcome barriers and assist with leadership development. The career coach also provides one-on-one family-centered support and connects students to cultural enrichment opportunities and valuable community resources.
The eligible continuing education programs include central sterile processing technician, certified nurse aide, emergency medical technician, medical billing and coding, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy technician and veterinary assistant. Students enroll and pay for the program of their choosing. Middletown WORKS is not a financial assistance program, but students can contact the MxCC continuing education department for funding opportunities.
Interested students can call 860-343-5865 or email mx-cehelp@mxcc.edu for enrollment information. MxCC is also conducting an information session on January 13 at noon and on January 14 at 6 p.m. A representative from the American Job Center, MxCC’s SNAP coordinator, and Lemanski will be available to answer eligibility questions and offer resources during the sessions. Visit mxcc.edu/middletown-works for the meeting links and more details about the partnership.
“One of the most important aspects of this newly formed partnership is how the values of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Working Cities are being thoughtfully put into practice each step of the way. These values include collaborative leadership, learning orientation, systems change, racial equity and community engagement,” Lemanski said. “This partnership also serves as a reminder to each of us that when we come together and focus on a shared goal—great things happen!”
The program will begin in the spring 2021 semester. MxCC classes start on Friday, January 22, 2021.
Since 1966, Middlesex Community College has provided high-quality, affordable, and accessible education to a diverse population, enhancing the strengths of individuals through degree, certificate, and lifelong learning programs that lead to university transfer, employment, and an enriched awareness of our shared responsibilities as global citizens. A part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, MxCC offers more than 70 degree or certificate programs at the main 35-acre campus in Middletown, MxCC@Platt in Meriden, and online.
The Working Cities Challenge Initiative, Middletown WORKS, is based on a collaborative leadership model, consisting of 30 partners led by The Connection, Inc., Middlesex United Way and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT). Middletown WORKS is different than other initiatives because they bring together residents and business owners to improve the city of Middletown. This initiative was formed with funding from the Working Cities Challenge grant program administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
