How Community Programs Have Helped One Eagle County Student Find Her Path to College and Beyond

Through the Eagle County School District’s youth apprenticeship program, CareerWise, lifelong Gypsum resident Juliana Carrazco, 19, is taking her first steps toward a nursing career in the valley, where she has a strong desire to contribute to the health and well-being of her community.

“Programs like CareerWise are helping the community grow and helping people stay here,” Carrazco said. “My (three older) siblings never had that; they never had these open doors.”

As part of the program, Carrazco dedicated nearly a year to working part-time in materials management at Vail Health Hospital. She then transitioned to a unit clerk position in the Patient Care Unit, where she had the opportunity to connect with patient care technicians and nurses. Their encouragement inspired her to pursue a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license and to work alongside them.

Last summer, Carrazco enrolled in a CNA course at Colorado Mountain College in Edwards, all while continuing her role as a unit clerk. She is now excited to further her education by pursuing a nursing degree at Colorado Mountain College. “I was super motivated to get my CNA. Vail Health has been so incredibly supportive of me, especially the leadership team,” Carrazco shared.

Read the full article on VailDaily.com >