Northwell Health’s Norwalk Hospital received a $10,630 Connecticut state grant to expand healthcare workforce development opportunities for young people in the Norwalk area.

The grant comes from the Youth Services Prevention Grant Program, administered by the Connecticut Judicial Branch’s Court Support Services Division. The program funds community organizations, nonprofit groups and municipalities that offer services designed to support young people and prevent involvement in the juvenile justice system.  The program promotes positive youth development by helping young people build skills and engage with their communities. Funding may support mentoring, leadership development, employment readiness, educational enrichment and recreational activities.

The funds will support the hospital’s workforce development programs. Dan Debarba, president of Norwalk Hospital, said: “We are grateful to State Representative Kadeem Roberts and the Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division for this important grant. This funding will directly support our workforce development programs, providing young people in Norwalk and surrounding communities with meaningful pathways into healthcare careers. Investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals strengthens not only our industry but our entire community.”

Northwell’s workforce development programs include Northwell Community Scholars, summer youth employment, workforce readiness, and financial assistance policies and navigation programs.

Connecticut State Rep. Kadeem Roberts spearheaded the allocation of the funds to help Norwalk Hospital connect young people in Norwalk with pathways into healthcare careers.

“I was born and raised in Norwalk, and I know firsthand how much talent we have in this community. Too often, young people here don’t see a clear path from their neighborhood to a career in healthcare. This grant helps change that,” said Roberts, “Norwalk Hospital has been a cornerstone of our city for generations, and I’m proud to have helped secure these funds so that the next generation of Norwalk’s young people can learn, train, and build careers right here at home.”

As the latest of Northwell’s workforce development investments, the grant will continue to strengthen programs like the Academy for Career Readiness that contribute to the healthcare workforce.