Since 2015, more than 200 young people have completed CYD’s postsecondary healthcare training program, The Career Academy. This innovative training program for our alumni and other city high school graduates is a partnership with Borough of Manhattan Community College’s Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development. Graduates have received certification as Medical Assistants and EMTs and are now working at healthcare facilities throughout the NYC region.

Brittny in full work attire

Brittny graduated from the Career Academy in 2019 and was certified as a Medical Assistant in February 2020.

Brittny is now an essential worker at Brooklyn Gardens Nursing Home. “The elderly are really suffering during this time. We’re in quarantine at Brooklyn Gardens, which means family members aren’t allowed to visit. I try to keep every resident I am assigned to happy and treat them as if they’re one of my own family. Although I am a little bit afraid I still love this job. I am so glad that I am able to use my training right now.”