La Colaborativa opened enrollment for its Community Health Worker training program, a yearlong full-time initiative for bilingual young adults living in Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Lynn, and East Boston.
The program aims to open doors to careers in the health sector. According to the organization, participants receive a monthly stipend, transportation assistance, and child care access while they train.
The initiative is funded by the Atrius Health Equity Foundation. The first cohort, consisting of 20 young people, began its training in January 2025.
The program combines 80 hours of public health classes with 2,000 hours of paid practical experience. Participants also receive job preparation, mentorship, and health sector certifications, such as the Certified Application Counselor credential, which allows them to help families enroll in MassHealth.
Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old, live in one of the five eligible communities, speak English and a second language, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, show interest in public health, and complete the selection process.
“Este programa te prepara para entrar al mundo laboral. También te enseña a crecer en áreas que quizá no conocías. Hemos recibido certificaciones como CPR y CACA (Certified Application Counselor), que incluso me ayudaron a conseguir un trabajo de tiempo completo. También aprendemos cosas básicas pero importantes: Cómo vestirnos para una entrevista, cómo presentarnos. Son detalles que muchos jóvenes no sabemos, pero que hacen una gran diferencia para conseguir empleo”, Sandy García, de 22 años y madre joven, ha formado parte de la cohorte.
Community health workers serve as the bridge between families and the healthcare system, guiding neighbors on medical services, coverage programs, and prevention, often in their native language. In cities such as Chelsea, Revere, and East Boston, many families communicate primarily in Spanish, which makes bilingual participants essential for the role.
One graduate, Noemy, secured a position at the Lynn Community Health Center after completing the coursework. On the organization’s site, she recounted that she felt exhausted and stuck before entering the program, where she received support both as a student and as an individual.
Applicants can scan the QR code on the program announcement or contact La Colaborativa directly at (857) 688-5737. The office is located at 63 Sixth St. in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and the general office line is available at 617-889-6080.
The announcement does not indicate a specific deadline, meaning interested applicants should apply as soon as possible.
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