Drake State Community and Technical College News August 17, 2022 The first class of 19 students begins training this week to become Licensed Practical Nurses through a unique partnership between Huntsville Hospital and Drake State Community and Technical College. The LPN Launch program, which was announced in March, provides training from Drake nursing faculty and a job at Huntsville Hospital upon successful graduation. Students in the LPN Launch program are receiving financial assistance from Huntsville Hospital for up to $15,000 for tuition, fees, books and other expenses. In exchange for the assistance, students have committed to work for three years as an LPN at Huntsville Hospital. Tracy Doughty, President and COO of Huntsville Hospital, said, "We are excited to begin this program with Drake. Our first group of 19 students is energetic and eager to learn and we couldn't be more proud to support them in their nursing journey. We hope to have 25 more students join in the spring. This partnership is a win-win for someone looking for a career, and it brings us one step closer to making sure that our healthcare facilities are staffed with well-trained clinicians." Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State, said, "We are excited to welcome this first class of students to the LPN Launch program. Huntsville Hospital has been an amazing partner in creating this unique program for our community. Together, we will help strengthen the North Alabama workforce with caring, well trained nursing professionals." For more details on the program or to register for the spring 2023 class go to drakestate.edu<https://www.drakestate.edu/> or call 256-551-3156. LaTasha Denard Executive Assistant HBCU Library Alliance (678) 210-5801 ext. 102 http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> ldenard@hbculibraries.org<mailto:ldenard@hbculibraries.org> "Transforming for Tomorrow while Preserving the Past." Sandra M. Phoenix, Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance 678-210-5801 ext. 101 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Seek justice, honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/