First Financial Federal Credit Union recently donated $25,000 to support the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center Public Pathways Program, expanding access to healthcare careers and addressing the growing need for skilled nursing professionals in Maryland.

Established in partnership with the Community College of Baltimore County, the Public Pathways Program provides aspiring nursing professionals with a structured pathway to Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) roles. Participants receive clinical training, academic coaching, and guaranteed employment opportunities upon program completion.

First Financial’s funding supports tuition, certification fees, on-site clinical instruction, tutoring, transportation, childcare, and technology assistance – helping more participants complete the program and advance their careers. Participants of the program receive paid learning time and additional support to help make career advancement more accessible for working adults.

“We’re excited to support a program that opens real pathways into healthcare careers,” said James Wheeler, First Financial President. “By helping remove financial and logistical barriers, this initiative creates lasting economic mobility for the communities we serve.”

For more information about belonging to First Financial and how to experience the First Financial difference, visit firstfinancial.org.

First Financial presents a check to the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center in support of the Public Pathways Program.