Freedom House Foundations

Thank you for your interest in the Freedom House Foundations program. Students interested in participating in the program should complete the online application. Your application will be reviewed by the Freedom House staff and selected applicants will be contacted by phone to schedule an interview. Students accepted into the program will be required to enroll with PA CareerLink which will include identity and income verification.

Program requirements:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Live within Allegheny County.
  • Be legally eligible for employment in the United States.

Program information:

Freedom House is a 6-week-long course that will provide you an introduction to a variety of healthcare careers. Our curriculum consists of basic anatomy and physiology, assessment and treatment of basic medical emergencies, CPR, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, and a variety of other public health topics, social and behavioral sciences, and long-term case management concepts. Along with class lectures and lab activities you will also be given the opportunity to shadow a variety of jobs including RN's, EMT's, Medical Assistants, or Patient Care Technicians.

This program is named after the Freedom House Ambulance Service formed in Pittsburgh's Hill District in the 1960's: a program that paved the way for both educating underserved populations and for the development of our modern-day EMS system. This program is sponsored by Partners4Work, PA CareerLink, and the UPMC Health Plan. Freedom House is an accredited Community Health Worker training program through the PA Certification Board.

Program schedule:

This six-week course runs Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Course dates and locations:

Please see the online application for the most up-to-date list of current course dates and locations.

Career paths:

By the end of this course, you will be able to apply for jobs as a medical assistant, patient care technician, community health worker, and more. You will also have a great jump start on medical education should you choose a career in EMS, nursing, or other healthcare fields. In addition, this program meets the education requirements to become a certified community health worker (CHW). Meaning once you successfully complete our course and work as a CHW for 1 year you may take the Pennsylvania CHW certification exam.

Additional resources:

  • This program comes with a stipend paid out over the six weeks.
  • You will receive a bus pass or gas card to cover your transportation expenses.
  • All materials necessary for course completion will be provided.
  • One-on-one mentorship with a health care professional to help you navigate class, applying for jobs, and beyond.
  • Students in our program have access to LifeSolutions, an assistance program that can help with any social, financial, medical, or other barriers you may face that might make attending class difficult.
  • Program support in obtaining childcare may be available on a case-by-case basis depending on cohort location.

Health and safety information:

Masking and/or proof of COVID-19 vaccination may be required at certain times throughout the program. Unvaccinated students may have limited observational or job shadowing opportunities.

If you would like more information or have questions before applying, please contact FreedomHouse@upmc.edu.