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Freedom House 2.0 Celebrates Graduates in Harrisburg: A Pathway for Diverse Students into Healthcare Careers

UPMC and the UPMC Health Plan celebrated the achievements of the first class of Freedom House 2.0 graduates in Central Pennsylvania. Thirteen students, each with unique challenges and diverse backgrounds, successfully completed the program and proudly received their certificates in front of a supportive crowd of friends, family, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, UPMC, and Health Plan leadership, and local representatives.

The Freedom House 2.0 program, a five-week-long course, offers participants an introduction to various healthcare careers. It covers basic anatomy and physiology, assessment and treatment of medical emergencies, CPR, first aid, mental health first aid, public health, and social and behavioral sciences. The program is named after the Freedom House Ambulance Service, which was established in Pittsburgh's Hill District in the 1960s. This service laid the groundwork for both educating underserved communities and for the development of the modern EMS system.

At the heart of Freedom House 2.0 is its focus on inclusivity and the Harrisburg community. The program actively seeks to engage individuals who face barriers to traditional education and employment opportunities. Many of the participants, including single parents working in fields like housekeeping and warehouse roles, struggled to find a clear pathway into healthcare careers despite their desire to make a change. Others faced language barriers as non-native English speakers, or had soft-skill challenges such as difficulty with interviews and email communication. These individuals were also supported with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) resources, providing the tools needed to overcome these hurdles.

Some students had attended clinical education programs in the past but were unable to complete them. For these individuals, the program acted as a stepping stone, reintroducing them to adult education and helping them refresh or build upon previous training. Additionally, there were participants who had received training outside the U.S., but their credentials did not meet local standards. The course served as a valuable bridge to help them navigate their way back into the healthcare field.

The program also attracted individuals from a wide range of age groups, from 19-year-olds right out of high school to individuals in their 40s and beyond seeking a second career. One young student found that Freedom House 2.0 provided a fantastic opportunity to gain intensive shadowing experience, helping them identify specific areas of patient care they are passionate about.

Freedom House 2.0 isn’t just a career training program – it's a comprehensive support system designed to equip students with the resources they need to succeed. In addition to training, participants received laptops, transportation support (including bus passes or gas cards), and stipends to help cover the costs associated with their education. The funding for this program came from a state grant held by the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, which played a key role in providing time and resources for its success.

The program also tackled real-life challenges such as the cycle of poverty, exploring how accepting a slightly higher-paying job can sometimes diminish buying power due to the loss of benefits. By offering guidance on how to navigate these financial challenges and strategically use career ladders, the program helped students understand the economic realities they might face. For example, in the context of poverty, the U.S. federal poverty level for a family of four is set at $32,150, while for a single person, it is $15,650. These discussions provided invaluable insights into how students can manage their financial well-being as they advance in their careers.

"We are incredibly proud of our students," said Leah Franklin, manager of Workforce Development for UPMC in Central Pa., and program lead. "They’ve shown incredible passion and perseverance as they’ve navigated significant challenges to reach this milestone. We’re excited about the future growth of this program and the opportunities it offers to the Harrisburg community."

The program’s success has sparked interest among local employers, with several graduates already interviewing with UPMC or other healthcare organizations. By supporting workforce development, one of the key focus areas of the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, this initiative helps to build stronger communities and provides a pathway to meaningful careers for those who need it most.

While this is the first cohort of graduates in Harrisburg, the program is already planning for future growth, aiming to reach even more individuals who are ready to take their next step toward a fulfilling career in healthcare.