Anna Maria College partners with Northborough to enhance public service training programs

Anna Maria College is set to enhance community support in Northborough through a new partnership program aimed at addressing local workforce needs, particularly in public safety and health services. During a recent meeting, college officials outlined their commitment to collaborate with Northborough's police, fire, and emergency medical services to provide tailored educational programs and training opportunities.

The initiative, spearheaded by Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences Emily Cabrera and Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Jim Bidwell, focuses on creating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will streamline access to various degree and certificate programs. This approach aims to tackle pressing issues such as staff retention, training, and organizational culture within local departments.

Cabrera emphasized the importance of a unified strategy, stating, "Instead of being divided, we want to pull all resources together." The partnership will offer a 10% tuition discount for Northborough employees and their families, making higher education more accessible. Programs will include criminal justice, fire science, and emergency medical training, with options for both degree completion and certificate courses.

The college's proactive approach also includes addressing specific community needs, such as the shortage of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Bidwell noted that Anna Maria's programs are designed to be flexible, with many courses available online or delivered directly to local departments, ensuring that training is convenient for busy professionals.

In addition to degree programs, the college plans to offer short training sessions on topics like mental health first aid, which have become increasingly relevant in the wake of the pandemic. This initiative aims to equip first responders with essential skills to better serve the community.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration between Anna Maria College and Northborough's municipal departments, highlighting the potential for a robust educational pipeline that not only benefits local employees but also strengthens community ties. As the partnership develops, both sides are optimistic about the positive impact on workforce readiness and public service in Northborough.