May 28, 2004

MGH Support Service Employee Grant program helps fulfill dreams

Both Dolores Ivette Kershaw, of MGH Psychiatry, and Celia Maria Sewell, of the MGH Central Resource Department, are working hard to improve and advance their careers at the hospital, and both are extremely grateful for the programs the hospital provides employees - especially the Support Service Employee Grant program. The program, funded by the MGH Diversity Committee, was developed in 1999 to help employees fulfill their career goals while improving current job performance. Grant recipients receive up to $1,500 to help defray educational costs.

Kershaw, who graduated last weekend with a master's degree in Occupational Therapy, received the grant twice to assist in her goal of achieving a joint bachelor and master's degree from Dominican College in Orangeburg, New York.

Every two weeks for five years, Kershaw would drive three and a half hours each way to attend classes Friday night through Sunday and then return to work on Monday. "I am fortunate to have had the support of my manager, Barbara Middleton, OTRL, of MGH Psychiatry, and the opportunity that the MGH has extended to me through the Support Service Grants," says Kershaw.

Sewell received the grant last year and joined the ultrasound program at Middlesex Community College. She learned about the grant through a seminar and believes the support she received from the hospital has been a big motivator. "Without this grant, I would not have been able to afford the classes," says Sewell. "Because of this great program, I am one step closer to achieving my goal."

To encourage MGHers to apply for the Support Service Employee Grant, MGH Training and Workforce Development sponsors an annual Career Development Series (CDS) to inform employees about growing fields in health care. This year's workshops highlighted nursing, pathology, pharmacy, radiology, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, ultrasound and veterinarian technician careers and contained information about financial assistance, including the internal Support Service Employee Grant program.

According to Helen Witherspoon, program manager, the CDS and the grant program help address two concerns facing many adult learners. "The grant provides up-front money to help overcome the initial financial hurdle frequently associated with higher education," said Witherspoon, noting that the CDS saves employees valuable time researching health career information. "Our goal is to provide employees the resources they need to advance their career at the MGH."

Applications are available for grants for fall 2004 and spring 2005. All nonexempt, benefits-eligible employees who have worked at the MGH for at least two years and are in good standing can apply. The deadline is June 11.

For more information or to obtain an application, call Helen Witherspoon or Lidia Rosado at (617) 726-2230.

Damas and Alan Ezekowitz, MBChB, DPhil, chief of MGH Pediatrics.