Workforce Development

workforce integration services for empowerment (wise)

Building Futures Through Apprenticeships

The Workforce Integration Services for Empowerment (WISE) is an innovative workforce development initiative aimed at filling the shortage in the healthcare field, while empowering underserved communities. This program provides essential career pathways for all including immigrants, minorities, and LGBTQ individuals in Frederick County, Maryland, and nearby regions.

What is WISE?
WISE offers pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships to help individuals overcome language barriers, cultural literacy, and credential recognition, ensuring they can access meaningful roles in the Care Economy. With wraparound support, including mentorship, job placement assistance, and digital literacy training, WISE is designed to set participants up for lasting career success.

Program Overview

Hands-On Training and Education:
Participants receive foundational training in healthcare roles, including Community Health Worker (CHW), Certified Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA), and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS). Our curriculum covers key skills such as healthcare technology, digital literacy, and cultural competency, preparing participants to thrive in real-world settings.

Pathways to Employment:
APAPNI connects participants with local healthcare employers, creating pathways to Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and long-term employment opportunities. We partner with hospitals, clinics, and community organizations to ensure that graduates are ready to fill high-demand positions in healthcare.

Mentorship and Support:
Each participant is paired with experienced mentors who guide them through the apprenticeship journey. The program also offers financial assistance for essentials like childcare and transportation, ensuring participants have the resources they need to succeed.

Who Can Join?

Our program serves:

• Immigrants and refugees
• LGBTQ individuals and people with disabilities
• Rural and low-income community members
• Individuals committed to building a healthcare career

Benefits for Employers

By partnering with APAPNI, healthcare employers gain access to a diverse, trained, and motivated talent pool. Employers also benefit from ongoing support in integrating apprentices, contributing to a more inclusive and skilled workforce.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a potential participant, community organization, or employer, we invite you to join us in building a stronger, more inclusive healthcare workforce.

• Participants: Apply Here
• Employers and Community Partners:  Partner with Us

Contact Us

For more information about the Accelerated Pre-Apprenticeship Program for New Immigrants, please contact us at [email protected] or 301-694-3355 ext 1011. 

CNA/GNA Training program

Certified Nursing Assistant / Geriatric Nursing Assistant

To apply please use this link, also attach your resume: CNA/GNA Training Application

This training offers a valuable opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in healthcare. Please note AACF will cover most of the expenses and training will be free for you. Our aim is to provide a supportive and comprehensive learning experience. 

Training will be conducted every Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 – 9:30p.m. Due to the coordination of scheduling the classroom, lab and instructors, the program must be the same hours as our regular evening CNA courses. Clinicals will be 5:00– 9:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Clinicals are 11 days. 

Individual interviews for applicants after which a short pre-training test will be administered. 

All students who currently hold a CNA/GNA can be registered as our apprentices and will receive an apprentice’s incentive.

After submiting the application, please send us an email as soon as possible, to confirm your interest in participation in training. Interviews will be scheduled with each of you.

Community Health Worker Training Program

We train and educate frontline public health workers who help our community get access to health care and services.

Asian American Center of Frederick is a Maryland state accredited training and apprenticeship center for Community Health Workers.

The program is designed specifically for individuals looking to work in the field of community healthcare advocacy for the first time, as well as those already established in the field and looking to up-skill. Through this training, we aim to bridge the healthcare gap for Limited English Proficiency communities with an overarching goal of equity in healthcare for all.

This program aims to:

• Strengthen the public health workforce with new or enhanced curricula
• Increase CHW and health support worker employment readiness through a network of partnerships advance health equity and support for underserved communities by increasing the number of CHWs and health support workers
• Reduce health and disparities and help underserved residents achieve health equity
• Increase access to care and prevention services for COVID-19 and other public health emergencies in underserved communities

Who is a Community Health Worker?

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables a CHW to serve as a liaison to, link to, or intermediary between health and social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self‐sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, the provision of information to support individuals in the community, social support, and advocacy.

Maryland’s CHW Core Competencies:

1. Advocacy and community capacity building skills
2. Effective oral and written communication skills
3. Cultural competency
4. Understanding of ethics and confidentiality issues
5. Knowledge of local resources and system navigation
6. Care coordination support skills​
7. Teaching skills to promote healthy behavior change
8. Outreach methods and strategies
9. Understanding of public health concepts and health literacy

Why become a Community Health Worker with AACF?

In addition to high quality curriculum and virtual training options, AACF offers its trainees financial support to offset the costs associated with training, including computer supplies, text books, childcare, transportation, etc.

What are the benefits of working with a Community Health Worker?

Community health workers are a crucial and supportive link between health and social services and the communities they serve. From facilitating health care access to improving the well-being of community members, community health workers provide a service that positively impacts the lives of the nation’s vulnerable groups.

Funding Agencies

This program is funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maryland Department of Labor: Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Program, and Maryland Department of Health.

Contact Us

Yurie Snyder
Program Coordinator
Email: [email protected]

Vanda Yamkovenko
CHW Training Manager
Email: [email protected]

Sierra Dischel
Apprenticeship Manager
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (301)694-3355, ext. 1016

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