For Olena Zhemchuzhnykova, a registered nurse with two decades of experience in Ukraine, the journey to the United States was marked by displacement and the need to leave her established profession behind. Like many refugees, Olena faced the daunting task of restarting her career in a new country. However, thanks to the innovative Asu Career Navigation Program, she and other refugees are finding pathways to rebuild their lives and contribute their valuable skills to the U.S. healthcare sector.
Bridging the Gap: The Arizona Refugee Career Pathways Program
The ASU Career Navigation Program, officially known as the Arizona Refugee Career Pathways program, is a pioneering initiative designed to support refugees in Arizona. Recognizing the immense potential and skills within the refugee community, Arizona State University’s Education for Humanity, with funding from the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement and the Arizona Governor’s Office, launched this upskilling and reskilling program. The program directly addresses the challenges refugees face in navigating the U.S. job market and aims to place them in high-demand career fields, such as healthcare.
Olena’s story is a testament to the program’s success. After participating in the paid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training offered through the ASU Career Navigation Program, she proudly graduated alongside fellow refugees from Syria and Afghanistan. This program uniquely provides paid training, removing a significant barrier for refugees who often need to prioritize immediate income to support their families. This financial support allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the training and focus on building their new careers.
A Holistic Approach to Career Development
The ASU Career Navigation Program goes beyond just technical skills training. It adopts a holistic approach, recognizing that refugees need comprehensive support to succeed. In partnership with organizations like Friendly House, participants receive crucial English language instruction, essential for both professional and personal integration. Goodwill, another key partner, provides dedicated career coaches who offer personalized guidance on job searching and career advancement.
Joanna Zimmerman, Associate Director of Education for Humanity at ASU, emphasizes the program’s tailored approach. “ASU assesses the refugees who apply to the career pathways program to determine their eligibility, then helps them set up a career navigation plan,” she explains. This individualized approach ensures that each participant receives the specific support they need based on their existing skills, career aspirations, and the gaps they need to bridge to achieve their goals. The program has already seen refugees successfully transition into various fields, including HVAC technology and accounting, showcasing its adaptability and broad applicability.
Addressing Critical Healthcare Workforce Needs
The focus on CNA training within the ASU Career Navigation Program is particularly strategic. The healthcare sector, especially long-term care facilities, faces a significant shortage of CNAs. Jeffreys Barrett, Director of Workforce Development for the Arizona Health Care Association, highlights the critical role CNAs play: “Without the CNAs, a nursing home wouldn’t function.” By training refugees as CNAs, the program not only empowers individuals but also addresses a pressing workforce need in the community.
State Representative Marcelino Quiñonez recognized this dual benefit at the graduation ceremony, stating, “What you are doing makes our community stronger.” The program creates a win-win situation: refugees gain meaningful employment and a pathway to career progression in healthcare, while the community benefits from a more diverse and skilled workforce capable of providing culturally sensitive care.
Reclaiming Identities and Building Futures
For many refugees, like Olena and Hebat Alharsha, a former pharmacy student from Syria, the ASU Career Navigation Program represents more than just job training; it’s a chance to reclaim their professional identities and build a stable future. Travis Thompson, Community Development Program Supervisor for the Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program, underscores this point: “This gives people a path back. They’re not doctors or nurses yet, but with the support of community and organizers and employers, they can reclaim that career.”
The success of the ASU Career Navigation Program serves as a model for effective refugee integration. By providing paid training, comprehensive support services, and pathways to in-demand careers, the program empowers refugees to become self-sufficient, contributing members of society while simultaneously addressing critical workforce shortages. As Olena Zhemchuzhnykova aptly puts it, “This is a first step” – a first step towards a new life and a fulfilling career in the United States, made possible by the ASU Career Navigation Program.
