In the Spotlight Project Voice
Shirley Ware Education Center
Oakland, CA – Programming starts this month for Shirley Ware Education Center’s (SWEC) High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) project, which won a $13 million grant allowing the SEIU-Community Clinics Partnership and the Workforce Education & Resource Center (WERC) to support 3,688 workers in Community Health and other healthcare training to address workforce shortages in the community clinic sector. SWEC, named after trailblazer Shirley Ware, one of the first African-American women to lead a major California labor organization, has been providing education and training since 1998.
Along with partners SEIU United Healthcare Workers West and the Joint Employer Education Fund (the Education Fund), SWEC uses the High Road Framework and best practices to align supply, demand, education, and training to uplift low-wage occupations that workers of color disproportionately hold. Workers improve their economic mobility by earning industry-recognized credentials, building confidence through critical skills courses, and gaining access to higher wages.
Alexander Saechao
Graduate of the Registered Nurse Program
“The Ed Fund helped with tuition and program costs as it was difficult to keep up with bills while going through nursing school and only working a few days a week,” said Alexander Saechao. Financial help allows participants to keep up with living costs while still having the time they need to learn and be successful. Alexander’s upskilling allowed him to access a higher-wage career with his employer as a Registered Nurse.