FCC Allied Health Academy

To better acquaint our members and the greater community with our grantees, we are highlighting some of the nonprofit organizations that have received WGC grant funds. This quarter, we reached out to Deborah Powell, Executive Director of the Frederick Community College Foundation to discuss the Allied Health Academy at FCC.

Please introduce yourself. What is your role at your organization and how long have you been with the organization.

Deborah Powell-I am Executive Director of the Frederick Community College (FCC) Foundation.

My role is to manage and provide leadership for the FCC Foundation a separate 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation associated with the College and its volunteer Board of Directors. I am also a Senior Leader and work with President Annesa Cheek.

What is the mission of the organization, and what personally moves you about that mission?

The Frederick Community College Foundation, Inc. is a philanthropic network of advocates enriching the vitality and quality of life in our community by promoting access to higher education. In partnership with individuals, organizations, and businesses, the mission of the Frederick Community College Foundation is to remove barriers to a community college education and provide financial support so all students can succeed and positively contribute to our community.

What I really like about our mission is our ability to make a difference for members of our community, particularly women, who are struggling to raise a family while working, going to school, and trying to make ends meet.

What are the most significant challenges that the organization is facing right now? What are the most significant challenges faced by the clients/populations that you serve?

We are currently not seeing students in the age 25 and over group apply or return to school in the same numbers as we did before the pandemic. We know that there is a critical shortage in healthcare professionals, particularly in Allied Health Occupations. These occupations include Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, Sterile Processing Technician and Dental Assistant. These are important jobs that can be built upon and lead to better-paying ones such as Nursing.

What is the nature of the Giving Circle grant that you received, and what impact will it have on women and their dependents in Frederick?

Allied Health Academy is a program that assists single-parent women, unemployed or underemployed with case management, referral to resources, academic advising, and tutoring. Through the FCC Foundation and the Women’s Giving Circle grant, an AHA program scholarship is available to eligible women to cover tuition, books and materials, transportation costs, and or childcare costs.

Do you have any specific “stories” that you can share with us that illustrate what you are doing in the community?

This small cameo says it all!

Is there anything further that members of the Giving Circle can do to help, in terms of volunteering, in-kind donations, etc?

The Allied Health Academy is a program administered through the newly renovated Student Success Program Office located in Annapolis Hall. Michelle Ricketts is the new Director of Student Success and Retention. She told me the office is a “hub” of support for any student facing a barrier to success with connections to resources, dedicated success counseling, and open study hours. Michelle said they are in need of children’s activity materials including sturdy puzzles and books.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for the opportunity to share a little bit about the Allied Health Academy! The Women’s Giving Circle offers a lot of support to help women succeed at Frederick Community College!