Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is proud to announce new partnerships with Advance Community and Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH), enhancing the practical learning experience for students enrolled in SCC’s Community Health Worker program.
The Community Health Worker (CHW) certificate program prepares students for entry-level roles as health navigators and community health workers in various healthcare sectors, including public health, hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, community-based organizations, and community-focused nonprofits. The certificate coursework can be completed in just one semester, followed by an eight-week course of practical experience, making it ideal for those eager to enter the healthcare workforce quickly and pursue a variety of career pathways.
These partnerships provide CHW students the opportunity to gain essential hands-on experience and apply classroom knowledge in meaningful, real-world settings. The practical experience gives students the chance to build professional connections and can often open doors to future job opportunities in their field.
“SCC is thrilled to collaborate with Advance and NOAH,” said Angelica Backalukas, SCC’s Allied Health faculty and CHW program director. “These partnerships provide invaluable practical experiences, preparing our students not just to enter the healthcare workforce, but to excel in it. We’re grateful to both organizations for their commitment to training and mentoring future healthcare professionals.”
Advance is a global health organization committed to improving health and providing hope through disease prevention, education, and treatment, with a vision of health equity for all – where every person thrives. Under the guidance of seasoned professionals, students develop essential skills, engage with individuals and groups, and apply classroom concepts to hands-on public health work that meets the program’s practicum requirements, all while making a meaningful impact in the community.
NOAH offers a full range of primary and preventive health services for people of all ages and stages of life, including community resources, counseling, dental care, family medicine, nutrition, pediatrics, pharmacy services, and psychiatry. Through this collaboration, CHW students immerse themselves in a dynamic healthcare setting where they refine communication strategies, support diverse patient populations, and gain real-world insights into community health delivery.
These real-world experiences not only fulfill students' practicum needs, but also deepen their understanding of how integrated health services improve outcomes on the ground, making it a pivotal step on the path from learner to provider.
For more information, visit the Community Health Worker program page.
About Advance Community
Advance Community is a global health organization committed to building optimal health in underserved communities around the world. With a vision of health equity for all, our work aims to provide hope through disease prevention, education, and treatment. Through local programs and international partnerships, Advance works to improve access to healthy food, health education, and medical care. Our diverse initiatives deliver life-changing surgeries, nutrition support, community development, and health education to communities in Arizona and across Latin America. At our core, Advance is committed to creating a sustainable impact and building a healthier future, locally and globally.
About Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH)
With a focus on comprehensive, whole-person care, NOAH offers medical, dental, nutrition, mental health, and pharmacy services to patients at every stage of life. NOAH’s unique approach also includes Community Resources support, which addresses non-medical factors like access to food, housing, transportation, and other needs. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), NOAH serves more than 50,000 patients at its health center locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale. NOAH was founded in 1997 to provide often overlooked populations with quality, affordable healthcare. For more information, please visit www.noahhelps.org.