The Boone Community School District and Mary Greeley Medical Center (MGMC) established a partnership to provide students with opportunities to explore healthcare careers during the 2020-2021 school year. Gracie Boon, a 2024 graduate of Boone High School, is one of the beneficiaries of that partnership. Thanks to her experience through the Boone EDGE program, Gracie has completed the state-approved training program and competency exam to be a Certified Nursing Assistant and is now employed full-time at Mary Greeley in the Oncology Department.
Boone EDGE is the work-based learning program through the Boone Community School District where students get to “experience real-world work through authentic projects, internships, tours, and speakers.” This is one of many opportunities afforded to students in the Boone EDGE program.
Full certification and employment is a notable jump from the origins of the partnership. Just a few years ago, the goal was to provide students with tours and other learning opportunities from various departments.
“It’s exciting to see what Gracie has accomplished this past year,” said Lindsey Hyman, Boone EDGE Coordinator. “And it’s the result of partnerships with a common interest of helping students.”
The State of Iowa has recognized the need for healthcare professionals. Through Iowa Workforce Development, the Boone Community School District was awarded an Iowa Health Career Apprenticeship grant in spring of 2022. The grant intends to increase pipelines for high school students to earn industry credentials and begin learning on the job while earning wages as an apprentice.
“We knew we had 15-20 students each school year earning a CNA credential,” said Hyman. “But often these students would continue their education and experience outside of Boone and Story County. While this may contribute to the industry, we didn’t feel we were making enough of an impact in our local region.”
After being awarded the grant, the two partners worked together to create an apprenticeship pathway, including the development of a training plan that best fit MGMC and a high school student. “We created a tiered approach that supports student learning as they acquire their CNA and gain experience while giving a road map for increased pay along the way,” said Tammy Stegman, Talent and Engagement Manager at MGMC. “Our goal was to provide an apprenticeship experience that helped students to see their initial employment as more than a job and the start to a career.” The program is now an official high school registered apprenticeship with the Department of Labor.
Thanks to financial support from MGMC, Gracie is not done with her education. She plans to continue her coursework and become a fully licensed registered nurse.
