The YMCA’s Project Connect program is an integrated education and training model designed to prepare adult learners for rewarding entry-level careers. Through guided practice and hands-on training, our students thrive in competitive job markets.
The YMCA offers an inclusive space for all learners to grow academically and professionally no matter what level they are on. Project Connect offers three unique components to participants: comprehensive employment training, career coaching, and job placement.
By addressing and removing the most common barriers for potential participants, the Y provides the opportunity for individuals to create a career pathway for themselves to provide a brighter future. For more information on any of the program opportunities below, please contact the Project Connect team at YMCA_WD@indymca.org.
** Thank you for your interest in the YMCA’s Project Connect program. Please click on the “Sign Up Here” button to register for an upcoming Intake Session for our CNA Training Program. You can find the tentative course schedule below. Note: This program is only for Indianapolis-based residents and community members. If you are interested in our QMA or HSE programs, please continue to check back on this page for more information on when the next class opens up or you can join our wait list by clicking here and filling out the form. Individuals should only fill out the wait list form if you are currently living in Indianapolis, IN. **
** Thank you for your interest in the YMCA’s Project Connect program. Please click on the “Sign Up Here” button to register for an upcoming Intake Session for our CNA Training Program. You can find the tentative course schedule below.
Note: This program is only for Indianapolis-based residents and community members.
If you are interested in our QMA or HSE programs, please continue to check back on this page for more information on when the next class opens up or you can join our wait list by clicking here and filling out the form. Individuals should only fill out the wait list form if you are currently living in Indianapolis, IN. **
The YMCA’s Project Connect program prepares adult learners for a rewarding entry-level career in the medical field through a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) certification training. Certified Nursing Aides, also called nursing attendants or assistants, provide basic care and help with basic living activities for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities. Some nursing aides and attendants may also dispense medication. In nursing homes, nursing assistants are often the principal caregivers. They have more contact with residents than other members of the staff.
CNA Training Requirements:
As an adult education provider, the YMCA utilizes grant funding through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and EmployIndy to provide full tuition coverage for individuals that qualify. This is valued at over $900 for the complete training program including the required state exam fees.
Interested applicants must meet program qualifications prior to enrollment. For more information or to apply for this program, please click on the “Sign Up Here” link at the bottom of this page.
To view the upcoming CNA Training Program schedule, please click on the “Download” button below. Prior to registering for an upcoming Intake Session by clicking “Sign Up Here”, please ensure that you would be available for all class dates/times in the event you are approved to enroll in the program.
The YMCA’s Project Connect program prepares adult learners for a rewarding career in the medical field through a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) certification training. The role of a QMA involves administering both prescription and non-prescription medications to patients and then monitoring their reactions, all under the supervision of a licensed nurse. QMAs start out as CNAs, so they already have specialized training in direct patient care.
QMA Pre-Requisites and Training Requirements:
As an adult education provider, the YMCA utilizes grant funding through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and EmployIndy to provide full tuition coverage for individuals that qualify. This is valued at over $1,200 for the complete training program including the required state exam fees.
The YMCA Project Connect program is launching a new opportunity for adult learners who want to earn their High School Equivalency (HSE) credential. An HSE is an alternative for earning a high school diploma. The HSE Diploma can be earned after completing a test based on five subject areas (math, reading, writing, science and social studies). This merit is often sought after by adults as a personal goal, professional requirement, or college acceptance.
Program time will be spent assessing and growing participant’s skills as individual adult learners in the five subject areas. By enrolling in the YMCA HSE Prep program, participants will work with the Project Connect Education Specialist and have access to direct support, virtual instruction, academic monitoring, childcare, and financial aid for testing fees.
Education plays an important role in life by improving your knowledge and preparing you to get a better job. Workers who have a high school diploma earn over $8,000 more per year than those who do not. Taking the HSE test is your first step to moving forward. Whether your goal is to get a better job or continue on your educational pathway to a certificate, 2-year associate degree or 4-year bachelor’s degree, this is where your second chance starts.
Who can sign up for the HSE Prep Program?
The YMCA Project Connect program will pilot a new virtual learning opportunity beginning January 2022 through an online platform, 180 Skills. The Employability Skills Training opportunity is geared for YMCA members and the community to gain knowledge and skills that foster personal and professional development.
The YMCA has designed six online learning paths that will be available with topics varying from Career Building, Customer Service, Personal Finance, Life Skills & Time Management, and Workplace Skills just to name a few. Through a series of learning modules and certification tracks, a participant can position themselves for new career opportunities and individual growth at their own pace.
The YMCA Project Connect Employability Skills Training will also offer a monthly opportunity for in-person workshops hosted at various YMCA center locations with the Workforce Development and Career Connector. Participation in this program will also give participants access to the 180 Skills online learning paths along with career supports, potential job leads, and job readiness assistance.
For more information or to register for this program, please click on the “Sign Up Here” link at the bottom of this page.
The Child and Youth Care Certification (CYC) is a national credential for child and youth care work practitioners. It is based on a three-tiered system beginning with Entry Level and includes Associate and Professional Levels. CYC certification allows practitioners to demonstrate their development as professionals and participate in true career development. Over time, practitioners can combine in-service training, formal education, and work experience to qualify for increasingly advanced positions or they can continue to work in the same setting with the ability to meet a wider range of youth needs.
The YMCA partners with the Indiana Youth Services Association (IYSA) to provide this certification training at various times throughout the year. After completion of the training portion of this program, individuals can apply for job and career opportunities within the Youth Development YMCA, which provides before and after school programs and camp opportunities for youth across Indianapolis.
As an adult education provider, the YMCA utilizes grant funding through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and EmployIndy to provide full tuition coverage for individuals that qualify for this training program.
AmeriCorps is a national service program that invites individuals to serve alongside each other for the betterment of every community. AmeriCorps members commit their time to address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, and more. The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is proud to host AmeriCorps members each year that focus on implementing Youth Empowerment programs across various YMCA centers and communities.
AmeriCorps is an opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to give their time and talent to strengthen communities. Y AmeriCorps members receive several benefits during their service year, including a monthly stipend, the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, and a free YMCA membership.
For more information on how to become an AmeriCorps member for the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, please contact Meresa Creekmore-Armor at mcreekmorearmor@indymca.org.
The YMCA Internship Model is designed to provide college students exposure to YMCA career opportunities through structured internships and work experience. The model provides students an opportunity to select a specific internship track from the Y’s three areas of impact.
Students can expect the following components to be included during their YMCA internship experience:
For more information on YMCA internship opportunities, please contact Meresa Creekmore-Armor at mcreekmorearmor@indymca.org.