HomeMy WebLinkAbout20150676.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND
MATHEMATICS (STEM) CAREER PATHWAY FUNDS AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO
SIGN
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with an Application for Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Career Pathway Funds from the County of Weld, State of
Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the
Department of Human Services, Employment Services of Weld County, to the Colorado
Education Initiative and the Colorado Workforce Development Council, commencing upon
execution of signature, with further terms and conditions being as stated in said application, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy
of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the Application for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) Career Pathway Funds from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the
Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human
Services, Employment Services of Weld County, to the Colorado Education Initiative and the
Colorado Workforce Development Council, be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized to
sign said application.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 11th day of March, A.D., 2015.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WF D COUNTY, OJ/ORADO
ATTEST: � 4: 1/c,/54A
Ba �r,(5 Kfrk i/( Y�—
' rbara Kirkmey , Chair /
Weld County Clerk to the Board
TitUtt
Mike Freeman, Pro-Tem
BY:
e ty Clerk tot a Boa`s
: • y an P. C ay
APP AS O FORM:` '� a/, li( ,.
/lieA. ozad c/
/•ou y Attorney � � Y,Str '
Steve Moreno
Date of signature:
CC: ,5b 3/31 2015-0676
HR0086
MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 4, 2015
a U N TY TO: Barbara Kirkmeyer, Chair, Board of Counnt-N Co missioners
FROM: Judy A. Griego, Director, Itun/4n Sery ces'Depitment:‘`.�
t is r,
RE: Employment Services Application for Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Career Pathway Funds
Enclosed for Board approval is the Employment Services application for Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Career Pathway funds. This application was reviewed under
the Board's Pass-Around Memorandum dated February 26, 2015, and was approved for
placement on the Board's Agenda.
The Colorado Education Initiative and the Colorado Workforce Development Council released a
request for proposal to solicit proposals from Colorado Sector Partnerships and/or regional partner
representatives to develop career pathways for youth to acquire in-demand middle-skills jobs in
STEM occupations within growth sectors with upward salary mobility.
Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC) is proposing a partnership with Aims Community
College, to create a new short term certificate in Sterile Processing. ESWC has obtained support
from the Healthcare Sector Partnership of Northern Colorado,as well as support and confirmation of
need from local healthcare providers to include Banner Health. Contingent upon funding levels,on-
the-job training(OJT), and/or limited internships(paid)may be offered to participants of this grant,
leading to permanent employment.
If you have questions, please give me a call at extension 6510. RECaV D
2015-0676
Organization Contact Information:
Linda Perez Tami Grant (Primary Contact)
Division Head Youth Program Manager
Employment Services of Weld County Employment Services of Weld County
970-353-3800 ext. 6750 970-353-3800 ext. 6754
Iperez@weldgov.com tgrant@weldgov.com
315 N 11th Avenue / PO Box 1805 315 N 11`h Avenue / PO Box 1805
Greeley, CO 80632 Greeley, CO 80632
Organization Description:
Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC) is a comprehensive Workforce Center which
connects resources for employment, education, and training services. ESWC strives to serve
opportunity (at-risk) youth engaging youth participants in education and training activities
increasing opportunities for youth to gain unsubsidized employment and being productive
members of our communities. Historically, ESWC's youth programs target low-income
opportunity and underrepresented youth populations to help meet the needs of Weld County.
Leading the State in the number of"hard to serve" Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth
participants, over eighty percent of the ESWC's 171 currently enrolled youth participants are
out-of-school youth who without access to youth programs facilitated by ESWC, would not have
similar opportunities of traditional in-school youth.
Details of Proposal:
Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC) and Aims Community College propose to
implement a 12 month program through the STEM Career Pathways Grant with the overarching
goal of increasing the number of underrepresented low-income youth exposed to STEM
occupations, focusing on Healthcare, and by providing youth with opportunities to acquire in-
demand jobs in STEM occupations and certification obtainment.
This robust collaborative proposal targets the Healthcare Sector including a vast array of career
pathways exploration. The grant proposal also includes creation of a Sterile Processing
Technician certification program not currently available in Colorado; Aims is in the process of
obtaining State approval and is in pending status. Sterile Processing Technicians clean, process
and sterilize surgical instrumentation. Each operating room has a Sterile Processing Department
that is closely aligned with Surgery Departments and oftentimes falls under the direction and
supervision of Surgical Services. Sterile Processing Technicians must obtain a working
knowledge of surgical instrumentation, infectious processes and sterilization techniques. Sterile
Processing Departments are experts on surgical supplies and equipment as they gather and
process these items for surgical procedures for both inpatient and outpatient facilities.
Information provided by the Bureau or Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and
Employment Projections delivered through the utilization of www.careeronestop.org and upon
reviewing O*net Online and regional comparisons, it was verified that there is not only a need
for this certification program but it is in demand with an anticipated 26% growth rate by 2022
in Colorado. Colorado median wages for Medical Equipment Preparers, also known as Surgical
Processing Technicians, is $33,900 with the ability to earn up to $46,600 with experience and
continued skill building. Furthermore, managers of local Surgical Processing Departments are
contacting Mark Urso, Program Chair of Surgical Technology at Aims Community College, on a
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regular basis in search of Surgical Technologists employees who are cross trained in these
areas. Nationwide there is a current labor shortage in Sterile Processing Departments with
limited talent pipelines of individuals to meet future needs in this high demand occupation.
Mark Urso has contacted the International Association of Health Care Central Services and
Material Managements, the professional organization for Sterile Processing Technicians; they
confirmed there are very few training facilities, and there are no programs in Colorado or
neighboring states to train Sterile Processing Technicians. The association validated this
initiative offering their support in the development of a training program in Colorado and has
already provided Aims with their updated curriculum. Moreover, many continued learning
opportunities are funded or reimbursable by healthcare facilities positioning participants to
have upward salary mobility in the Sterile Processing field or other healthcare career pathway.
Surgical Technology students of Aims undergo training in instrumentation, sterilization and
surgical equipment and supplies. Surgical Technology includes clinical experiences beginning
with spending several days in the Sterile Processing Department before advancing into
operating rooms. Through the utilization of current resources in the Surgical Technology
program at Aims, there is an excellent opportunity to develop a sustainable Sterile Processing
Technician program at Aims. Mark Urso and Aims have established a regional reputation for
having the most prepared Surgical Technology students, which is indicative of their certification
pass rates for graduates. Data collected by the National Board of Surgical Technology and
Surgical Assisting reported in 2013, 100% Aims of students passed the exam compared to the
national pass rate of 70%. In 2012, Aims achieved a 92 % pass rate while the national pass rate
was 56% . In 2011, 93% of Aims students passed the exam while only 54% of nationwide
students passed the exam. With the established reputation of producing overwhelmingly
successful Surgical Technicians at Aims, current clinical sites are enthusiastic about this
proposal and are pleading with Aims to develop a new certification program to meet the
demand of local employers. The Clinical Liaison at Aims, already on board with other programs,
is positively situated to seamlessly develop a working externship/ clinical rotation for Surgical
Processing Technician students. Overall this proposal is well positioned to achieve great
outcomes within one year of inception.
Increasing the overall impact in Northern Colorado, an additional layer and added value of
grant funding included in this proposal is a Nationally Recognized Healthcare Boot Camp. Funds
from this grant will permit ESWC and Aims to reinstate the innovative hands on, award winning
Healthcare Boot Camp. The camp will expose opportunity (at-risk) youth to multiple healthcare
career pathways to include but not limited to Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Registered Nurse,
Radiology Technician, Surgical Technician, Sterile Processing Technician, and Emergency
Medical Technician along with supporting STEM career pathways such as Information
Technology. Youth will experience various professions alongside currently enrolled Aims
students, taking on a leadership role, facilitating peer learning opportunities in addition to the
relationships youth participants will establish with Aims faculty leading to a positive transition
for participants who enroll to attend Aims Community College.
Aims has two state of the art fully functioning simulation operating rooms with all of the bells
and whistles to enhance the activities and increase the level of understanding creating
enthusiasm for participants to enroll in one of many healthcare career pathways through Aims.
Through engaging hands on approach, youth participants will explore healthcare professions by
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learning basic sutures and cauterizing techniques, practicing on chicken breasts, placing screws
to rebuild broken bones, practicing techniques utilizing orthoscopes and arthroscopes to
provide an entry level of understanding of what a Surgical Technician may be involved with and
may elect to specialize in. Furthermore, youth participants will be involved in a Simulation Lab,
also known as a Simlab. Simulations provide highly realistic, hands-on experiences that will
help youth learn and practice invasive procedures without utilizing actual patients. The lab and
its equipment, personnel and even sounds mirror that of a functioning clinic or hospital. Youth
participants will be able to experience common procedures such as starting IV's, obtaining
blood samples, giving medications, treating wounds and performing surgical procedures in
response to the specific case they are evaluating and treating. Preliminary planning for the
implementation of the Health Camp includes a simulated birth however specific cases may be
modified as the camp curriculum is finalized. Youth participants will also participate in activities
such as reviewing x-rays, learning to place orthopedic casts and or splints on peers, learning
proper scrubbing techniques and common healthcare procedures, touring Emergency Medical
facilities, vehicles, and engaging in a staged trauma scene. Additionally, youth participants will
tour a local hospital highlighting additional career pathways to include supporting STEM
professions such as the Information Technology Department of Northern Colorado Medical
Center. Electronic employment interest and aptitude assessments will be provided to further
aid youth in making future career related decisions. Youth participants will complete the
weeklong venture with a better understanding of various Healthcare Career Pathways to
include their individual "next steps" to enter their desired career.
This proposal is in partnership with ESWC, acting as the lead entity, Aims Community College,
Greeley Evans School District 6, The Greeley Dream Team and local healthcare facilities to
include Banner Health with the support of the Northern Colorado Health Care Sector
Partnership.
Populations to be served include low to moderate income youth between the ages of 16 and
24. Income guidelines used for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth programs will be utilized
for the purpose of this grant. Priority will be provided to youth identified as current poverty
guidelines or 70% of Lower Living Standard Income Level (LLSIL) income. For example, a family
of four living at the LLSIL would make no more than $26,100 annually. In addition, youth
participants will target underrepresented populations and opportunity (at-risk) youth.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the following racial or ethnic groups
historically underrepresented in medicine include African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino,
American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. All youth participants must be
a U.S. citizen and/or provide documentation to prove legal status in the U.S.
The awarded funding provided by this grant opportunity will permit a minimum of 20 youth
participants to participate in an extensive Healthcare Boot Camp estimated at forty hours of
related activities. In addition, the grant funds will provide a minimum of seven youth to enroll
in the Sterile Processing Technician certificate program at Aims Community College. The 19+
credit certificate program includes 6 classroom credits and 13.33 clinical credits translating to
400 hours of hands on work experience. Each of the proposed opportunities provides eligible
youth with meaningful experiences not otherwise available in Weld County. In the case of
obtaining a certification, it is not otherwise available in Colorado or surrounding states. This
collaborative proposal, including various entities with common goals, will truly make a
3
significant impact in the lives of the participants while addressing local and national labor
shortages of Sterile Processing Technicians. The sustainability adds value and enhances the
appeal of this proposal.
Additional support programs to this grant include the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). WIA and TANF will each provide additional
supports to co-enrolled participants of this grant to include but not limited to case
management, career search, and interview preparation, resume development, paid work
experience and/or on-the-job (OJT) opportunities as appropriate, supportive services such as
transportation assistance and follow up services for a minimum of twelve months upon
completion of this grant.
Outcomes and Impact:
Youth participants engaged in the Healthcare Boot Camps will complete a pre and post
assessment to measure individual's level of Healthcare Career Pathway knowledge. Youth
participants will also be measured by completing 100% of the related activities. Youth
participants will be monitored for a minimum of twelve months to observe if youth focus on the
Healthcare Career Pathway in secondary activities, post secondary activities and or
employment as applicable for older participants. Monitoring participants will allow impacts to
be to be tracked and measured.
Youth participants engaged in the Sterile Processing Technician program will demonstrate
competency by the following three standards: 1.) Program completion 2.) Certification
obtainment 3.) Employment obtainment
Milestones and Deliverables
May-July 2015:
• Recruit and enroll youth participants to participate in the Healthcare Boot Camp.
June—August 2015:
• Healthcare Boot Camps will take place and will serve a minimum of 20 eligible youth.
August — December 2015:
• Recruit and enroll seven (7) youth participants to enroll in the Sterile Processing
Technician program at Aims Community College.
• Enrolled participants will complete enrollment process at Aims and complete required
prerequisites which may include completing the Accuplacer, receiving required
immunizations, completing background checks etc.
• Co-enrollment with support programs such as WIA and TANF will take place for eligible
participants. Case management and associated activities will begin and will take place
throughout May and will include follow-up services for an additional twelve month time
period.
January— May 2016:
• Sterile Processing Technician coursework and clinical experiences will begin in January
and will be completed in May. Participants are required to complete a minimum of 400
hours therefore, it is possible participants may complete clinical requirements in June of
2016 contingent upon each assigned clinical site. Despite the twelve month grant
timeline likely ending in May of 2016, ESWC will continue to work with all participants.
4
regardless of co-enrollment status with WIA or TANF until each participant has
completed all requirements to graduate and obtain certification.
• Resume building, job development, career searching and other individually identified
services to take place with a goal for each participant to obtain gainful employment
following Sterile Processing Technicians certification achievement.
June 2016 — May 2017:
• Follow-up services will take place. Follow-up services may include activities such as
employment retention, supportive services to maintain employment and continued case
management to meet individual needs.
Budget and Budget Narrative: Total Budget Request: $33,000
Healthcare Boot Camps:
Budget: $2,500 ($125 per youth participant x 20 youth) to support Healthcare Boot Camp
activities. Funds allocated toward Healthcare Boot Camp implementation will support
participant transportation for cohorts of youth participants to attend all activities collectively
via 12 passenger vehicles. Youth participants will be provided with lunch each day of the camps
as youth will be engaged approximately eight hours per day three to five days each camp.
Youth participants will be provided with a nominal incentive upon successful completion and
will not incur expenses as the target population would otherwise not be able to participate.
Additionally, required items to allow hands on activities will be purchased by the grant to
include items such as chicken breasts to cut, suture, and cauterize; casting materials to enhance
radiology related activities; and other necessary items approved by Tami Grant, primary contact
and monitor for this grant and Mark Urso or appointed Aims representative to ensure funds are
utilized appropriately.
Sterile Processing Technician:
Participant Training Budget: $17,500
$2,500 will be allocated for each of the seven youth participants to complete the Sterile
Processing Technician certification program. $2,500 will cover associated costs to include
district tuition, student fees, administrative fees (required for each Aims student), required
vaccinations, CPR for Healthcare Providers, background checks and drug screening, state
testing, required text books and scrubs required for clinical experience. To ensure access to
low-income underrepresented populations out of pocket expenses will not be incurred by
eligible and enrolled youth participants of this grant.
Participant Supportive Services: $ 5,000
Supportive Services may include transportation assistance, child care, job related required
items, medical expenses, special clothing or additional items to meet individual participant
needs as required and approved by Tami Grant, primary grant contact.
Required Program Tools and Equipment Budget: $5,000
In effort to ensure sustainability, a onetime investment of$5,000 will be utilized to purchase
required tools and equipment to remain in the possession of Aims and for the purpose of
continuing the Sterile Processing Technician program. Items purchased will be identified by
Mark Urso, initially approved by the current Surgical Technician Advisory Committee of Aims
and final approval of Tami Grant or appointed ESWC primary contact if Ms. Grant is unavailable
for an extended period of time.
Indirect Cost Budget: $3,000
5
THE
COLORADO Colorado Workforce
EDUCATION AA Development Council
INITIATIVE
STE M Ca reer Pathways REP
�
The Colorado Education Initiative and Colorado Workforce Development Council
Introduction
The Colorado Education Initiative ' (CEI) is spearheading a process for improving STEM education in ways
that increase opportunities for all students,r meetIbusiness needs, and attract new companies to the
state , The Colorado STEM Education Road map` (Road map) was created in collaboration with numerous
stakeholders to identify three common goals and underlying strategies necessary to reach these goals:
develop a strategy to sustain and advance STEM education ; support all students P-12 in achieving STEM
literacy; and build a local STEM-ready talent pipeline.
A key component of this work is to ensure students have access to opportunities to develop employable
skills in occupations requiring less than a four-year degree that offer a path to a better standard of living
;
Roadmap(see the Roadmap Appendix D Goal 3.2. b online at Appendix D. Detailed Goals, Strategies, and Actions ).
Partners
This work is dependent on collaboration across key partners to ensure alignment between K-12,
workforce development, and higher education , Partners on this project include : The Colorado Education
Initiative (CEI), the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC), the Colorado Department of
Education (CDE), the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), the Colorado Department of
Labor and Employment (CDLE), and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International
Trade (OEDIT) .
The Colorado Education Initiative, co-lead , has a mission to unlock the unique potential of every student
in Colorado by incubating innovation, shining a spotlight on success, and investing in sustainable change
that improves outcomes for all students. CEI is helping to drive the work outlined in the Roadmap and
functions as a convener and supporter. CEI is responsible to administer grant funds and , along with the
Colorado Workforce Development Council, will evaluate metrics of success.
The Colorado Workforce Development Council 4, co-lead , works to create and sustain a business-led
Colorado talent system that appropriately integrates the work of economic development, education,
training, and workforce development to meet the needs of business, students and job-seekers, CWDC
1
http .//www.coloradoedinitiative.org/
2 http.//www.coloradoedinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/CO STEM Roadmap w_Appendices.pdf
3 http .//www.coloradoedinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/CO STEM Roadmap w_Appendices. pdf
4 httpsilvvvvw.colOrado.gov/cwcic
1
will serve as a resource to connect to active and emerging sector partnerships and career pathway
initiatives.
he Colorado Department of Education5 is the administrative arm of the State Board of Education and is
responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds,
holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public
transparency of performance and financial data . CDE will act as a resource partner on this work and
assistant with technical Support for grantees as needed .
The mission of the Colorado Department of Higher Education° is to improve the quality of, ensure
the affordability of, and promote access to, postsecondary education for the people of Colorado . In
pursuing its mission , the CDHE wilt act as an advocate for the students and institutions of postsecondary
education and will coordinate and, as needed , regulate the activities of the state's postsecondary
education institutions. CDHE will be a resource for grantees and will provide technical assistance as
needed .
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment / provides information and tools to help Colorado
businesses and workers remain competitive. Its mission is to protect and promote the integrity and
vitality of Colorado's employment environment. CDLE will serve as a resource partner for information
about the state economy and Job trends in Colorado and to connect individuals and programs with
career services at local workforce centers.
he olorado Office of Econorrtic Development sarid International .1r ado' is the division of governor
Hickenlooper's Office responsible for encouraging economic development and job growth across the
state . When Governor Hickenlooper took office in 2011 he issued an executive order to create a
/statewide economic development strategic plan — he t Colorado Blueprint's Blueprint) . The Blueprint
outlines a bottom -up approach that focuses on growth in key industries across 14 economic regions.10
OEDIT will serve as a resource to connect to regional partners and to state wide efforts.
Purpose & Background
CEI, through generous support from JP Morgan Chase and the Women's Foundation of Colorado, has
$60,000 of available grant funding for up to three (3) grantees. Grants cover a period of 12 months and
will result in youth gaining skills, experiences, and employment in middle-skill STEM occupation in
Colorado growth sectors.
The purpose of this request for proposal is to solicit proposals from Colorado Sector Partnerships and/or
regional partner representatives to develop career pathways for youth to acquire in-demand middle-
skills jobs in STEM occupations within growth sectors with upward salary mobility.
The CWDC website has resources11 to explain how
p Career Pathways are created and how Sector
Partnerships foster their creation . Brief definitions are provided below for context.
5 http .//cde.state.co. us/
6 http.//highered .colorado.gov/
7
https.//www.colorado.gov/cdle
8 http.//www.advancecolorado.com/
9 http.//www.advancecolorado.com/sites/default/files/908_424_Colorado%2OBlueprintil_7_no_jump_0.5_O. pdf
10 http .//www.advancecolorado.com/blueprint
11
http.//www.sectorssum mit.com/
2
Career Pathways
A career pathway is a series of connected education and training programs, work experiences, and
student services that enable individuals to secure a Job or advance in a demand industry or
occupation . 72
Sector Partnerships
Sector partnerships bring together employers, at a regional level and from the same industry, with
the education, training, and other community support programs needed to implement solutions and
services that ensure the target industry thrives. 13
Eligibility
Applicants must be representatives of an active or emerging Sector Partnership in Colorado . A
representative must be verifiable by CWDC or have a letter of support from a verifiable representative
of a Sector Partnership .
Representatives can be nonprofit partners, K-12 education institutions, higher education
representatives, or other qualified members of a Sector Partnership .
Proposal Guidelines
In their applications, applicants must:
• Create a career pathway that builds on existing regional efforts
• •1
nclude an •)ctive or ernergingj Sector Partnership
• Include and engage with K-12 education
• Align to labor market needs in industry growth sectors in middle-skill STEM occupationswith
upward salary mobility (as defined by The Brookings Institute report, The Hidden STEM
Econorrry , the Colorado Jobs for Skills •LV1 '• legislative report 16, and local labor data
• Target and serve low- to moderate-income (LMI) youth and underrepresented populations
• Focus on occupations with upward salary mobility
• Expose students to career opportunities (e .g., internships and apprenticeships)
• Result in employment, industry-valued credentials or job training, and/or industry certification
in growth sectors
• Include robust mechanisms for measuring Impact
• Show how they are demonstrating competencies valued for the in -demand jobs
Indirect costs cannot exceed 10% of total budget.
Format
Applications must:
• Be five pages or less
• Be standard letter size with numbered pages, 12-point font, and single-spaced with 1 -inch
margins
12 http ://www.sectorssummit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Creating-Career-Pathways-in-Colorado-A-Step-
By-Step-Guide.pdf
13Ibid ,
14 http://www.sectorssummit.com/wp-content/uploads/2O14/O7/Colorado-Sector-Partnerships. pdf
15 http ://www. brookings.edu/research/reports/2013/06/10 stern -economy-rothwell
16 http://highered .Colorado.gov/Publications/Reports/Legislative/Workforce/2014SkillsforJob . pdf
3
• Include the following supporting documents:
O p501c3 and tax exempt forms
O Board of Directors
O Financials (year-end , current budget, financial statement)
O Roles
of support from any grant partners
O Roles and responsibilities of the grant partners
O Biographies of staff who will support the grant
The proposal should include the following sections:
Section Title Description
Organization Contact Information Executive Director and Primary Contact (Name, Title, Phone,
Email, Address)
Organization Description Mission, Vision, Short History
Details of Proposal Identify.
• Target industry sector and occupation (s)
• Proof of labor growth , local demand & salary
• Lead entity & key partners
•• Reach (# of students, # of companies, etc)
• Description of other supports (e . g. TANF, Title I, etc .)
Outcomes and Impact Describe mechanism for measuring impact and describe how
you will determine competency
Milestones and Deliverables 12 month timeline
Budget and Budget Narrative Detailed breakdown of budget and narrative supporting
budget items
Information Sessions
CEI will host two informational conference calls to answer questions for applicants. Please email Liz
Kuehl at II< uehlC:.Pcoloradoodinitiative . orq to register for a call on one of the following dates:
• Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 1pm MST
• Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 10am MST
Submission
Notice of intent to apply must be submitted electronically to Ikuchl\))coloradoodinrtiativc .orq by Friday,
February 27, 2015. Email subject line should be "STEM Career Pathways RFP" and body should briefly
indicate your intent to apply.
Final proposals must be submitted electronically to lkueehl:tcoloradoedinitintive . orq In one PDF
document by Friday, March 13, 2015, before 5pm MST. Email subject line should be "STEM Career
Pathways RFP."
4
hope that you are well and had a great holiday season !
As discussed in our December, 2014 Surgical Technology Advisory Committee meeting, the Surgical
Technology program is an ideal venue to develop a new program for Aims that would offer training for
sterile processing technicians. I want to give you some information and ask you for an official email vote.
Sterile processing technicians are the people who clean, process and sterilize surgical instrumentation . Each
operating room has a sterile processing department that is closely aligned with the surgery department. In
fact, the sterile processing department (SPD) usually falls under the direction of surgical services. SPD staff
undergo extensive training to become proficient in their jobs. The majority of the staff gets hired with little to
no experience and it takes at least 1 year to get them trained to perform independently. The job entails a
working knowledge of surgical instrumentation, infectious processes and sterilization techniques. SPD's are
experts on surgical supplies and equipment as they gather and process these items for surgical procedures.
Managers of local processing departments often call me searching for employees as surgical technologists are
cross trained in these areas. Our surgical technology students undergo training in instrumentation,
sterilization and surgical equipment and supplies, and start their clinical experience by spending several days
in the sterile processing department before advancing into the operating room .
Nationwide there is a shortage of people to work in sterile processing departments. The job pays well and
provides stable employment. I have contacted the International Association of Health Care Central Services
and Material Managements (IAHCSMM ). This is the professional organization for SPD technicians. They
confirmed that there are very few training facilities, and no programs in Colorado to train SPD staff. They
stated they would gladly provide help in starting a program in Colorado with their updated curriculum .
There seems to be a vacuum for trained sterile processing technicians in northern Colorado, Denver and
southeastern Wyoming. We have all of the materials needed to train additional students to handle and
process surgical instrumentation . It would be a good fit for the college and we could utilize our current
resources in the surgical technology program and dovetail these into germinating a sterile processing
technician program through our facility. The costs would be minimal to get this program up and running in the
summers when our Surgical Technology students are not in class. We could also use current clinical liaison
sites to develop a working externship for our students.
Would you vote in support of proceeding so that I am able to send out a letter of inquiry to all of the regional
managers of sterile processing departments to ascertain if there is a need for trained entry level SPD
technicians? If the majority of the voting members agree, I will send a survey and obtain the results to share
with the Advisory Committee and proceed .
Do you feel that I should explore the possibility of starting a Sterile Processing Technician program for Aims
Community College through the Surgical Technology program and the Allied Health Department?
I look forward to your response by Tuesday, January 20th. Thank you so much for your support.
Take care,
Mark
W
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Weld • unt Clerk to the Bof •/� .! W -LD COUNTY, CO ORADO
lidge
BY:
Deputy rk to the oa � � �ti►, , : arbara Kirkmeye Chair M ' ' 1 1 2015
V 1161
,.ffeaDijAOSJ /12�:. ,, APPROVED ! S TO SUBSTANCE:
Controller a ted icial or partrlient Head
APPROVED AS TO FORM : A f k
4grS #-CWA,,t44._LDirector of General Services
County Attorney
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