Amador County builds community college pipeline for mental health workers

Amador is one of six California counties without a physical community college. It also struggles to recruit mental health providers. A small online learning program could offer a solution to both problems. College pennants and framed certificates hang on the walls of the Amador Economic Prosperity Center. Computer stations fill the center of the room, and a shelf near the printer is stacked with used textbooks. Since June, the building has offered a fresh start to Amador County residents who have historically struggled to access higher education. On a recent evening, more than a dozen people gathered over strawberries and scones to sign paperwork for their first online semester at Coastline Community College. Hogue is part of a small group receiving scholarships from the county to pursue a certificate or associate degree in human services, which can open doors to entry-level jobs in health and social work. The county gives preference to students who have a personal tie to mental illness, either as a patient or as a family member. Since it launched in 2014, the county has given scholarships to 44 students seeking careers in public mental health. The money covers the cost of tuition, fees and books, while the center offers students reliable wi-fi, enrollment help and academic tutoring. Many of the students are working parents. Some were formerly incarcerated, have experienced homelessness, or are dealing with addiction. Most say college never seemed like an option. Tammy Montgomery, 58, started online courses about two years ago. She says the scholarship pulled her out of a deep depression and gave her a purpose. When Montgomery first showed up at the Amador learning center, she was barely computer literate. She now tutors other residents pursuing human services certificates, and represents students on the Amador College Connect board while working toward her associate’s degree. Eleven students have gained a certificate or associate degree in human services through the program, and another six will graduate this fall. Nadine Magana was one of the first students to become certified through the Amador program. She then got another county scholarship to pursue an associate degree, and now works as a program manager at Nexus Youth and Family Services, a local nonprofit. The scholarship program relies on workforce development funds from California’s Mental Health Services Act, which established a millionaire’s tax for mental health prevention and intervention in 2004. Originally published by CalMatters. Full article: https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2019/10/amador-county-online-college-mental-health-shortage/