NCHELP connects healthcare students and trainees with the support they need to start, continue, and complete their educational and career goals.
Each participant completes an open assessment to identify the financial, academic, and wraparound supports they qualify for. This data-driven approach ensures that every participant receives personalized assistance and that underrepresented groups, including those facing financial hardship, are supported equitably.
Academic advising, tutoring, and study skills development
Tuition assistance, fees, books, and supplies
Transportation, childcare, or personal support services
Mentorship and career pathway guidance
Life-skills workshops on communication, financial literacy, and resilience
NCHELP is grounded in collaboration. NAHEC, in partnership with Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO), will work closely with local schools, colleges, healthcare employers, and community organizations to align education, training, and employment opportunities.
The program incorporates the Community Engagement Framework (CEF) and human-centered design (HCD) principles to ensure participants’ voices shape the program’s design and delivery.
The Institute for Career Advancement in Medicine (ICAM), co-designed by Health WorkForce New York (HWNY) with community partners, serves as the digital foundation for CNY HELP.
Through ICAM, participants can access mentoring, training, and wraparound supports in one secure online space. Case managers track progress, employers connect with qualified candidates, and program data helps continuously improve outcomes.
The Center for Health Workforce Studies (CHWS) supports program evaluation and continuous improvement by analyzing workforce data, participant outcomes, and regional trends to ensure measurable, lasting impact.
NCHELP serves:
Students enrolled in or preparing for healthcare education or training programs
Trainees and early-career professionals seeking mentorship or advancement
Individuals from underrepresented or underserved communities pursuing healthcare careers
NAHEC welcomes collaboration with:
Schools and colleges
Healthcare facilities and employers
Community-based organizations and workforce boards
Together, we can strengthen Northern New York’s healthcare workforce pipeline and ensure equitable opportunities for all.
To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, contact Emily Ehrensperger, Center Director, at emily@nahecnet.org.
Check back here for program updates as NC HELP launches in 2026, or sign up for our newsletter to receive announcements about upcoming opportunities and partnerships.
As part of the larger New York State AHEC System, NAHEC is one of nine centers in the State of New York offering statewide capacity for addressing healthcare workforce needs. NAHEC serves Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Franklin and Clinton counties. The NYSAHEC System is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Award titled Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program (U77). The content and information is solely the responsibility of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
