Nathaniel Llamas is a first-generation college student. He was thrilled when he recently learned that he was accepted into the Cabrillo College Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program. The 9-week program, which begins in September, is tuition-free and designed to make it easier for students like Llamas to complete the training and strengthen the local health care workforce. 

“This opportunity means a great deal to me,” Llamas said. “The program provides more than a certification – it opens doors to access, representation, and upward mobility in the nursing field. It serves as a pathway to education, mentorship, and support.”  

Thanks to funding that includes a $24,750 grant from a Kaiser Permanente fund at  the East Bay Community Foundation, Llamas and 44 other students also won’t have to worry about paying fees.

“This grant will allow students to have an opportunity to make a significant difference in health care through this exceptional Certified Nursing Assistant program at Cabrillo College,” said Eric Henry, FACHE, senior vice president and area manager, Kaiser Permanente Greater San Jose and Central Coast service areas. “Programs like these provide students with the education and training they need to meet the growing health care needs of our local communities.” 

“I am beyond grateful to be part of the first cohort,” said CNA student Jasmine Guzman. “I want to make a difference in patients’ lives, and I hope to provide exceptional patient care in a variety of health care settings.” 

Removing obstacles, creating career opportunities 

Jenna Zeller, assistant director of the Cabrillo College Nursing Program, said this program will be lifechanging for many students.  

“This program is designed to remove barriers that often prevent local residents from entering health care careers,” she explained. “By offering CNA training in Watsonville, students can access education closer to home, which will reduce transportation and scheduling challenges.” 

Zeller added that the new program will also create a pathway into nursing and allied health careers, which will help students enter the health care workforce more quickly, while building a foundation for further education. 

“What excites me most is the opportunity to reach students who may have put their educational goals on hold while working, raising families, or caring for others,” Zeller said. “We regularly meet people who are interested in health care but can’t afford to take a big leap into a nursing program. This will give them an accessible first step to discover whether a health care career is right for them, while also addressing critical workforce shortages in our region.” 

Helping students succeed 

The Kaiser Permanente grant will help to reduce the program cost for students by covering fees for requirements such as screenings, drug testing, uniforms, and CPR certification.

“By reducing these upfront costs, students will be able to focus on their education and training, rather than worrying about how to pay for program requirements,” Zeller said. “The grant also will support additional tutoring hours, and it will cover certification testing fees to ensure that students who enter the program have complete support from start to finish.”  

CNA certification can serve as an important first step toward long-term careers in nursing and other health care fields. As CNAs, students work directly with patients and alongside nurses, therapists, and other health care professionals. That hands-on experience helps them to build confidence, develop practical skills, and see a clear path toward advancing their education and careers. 

“The nursing program at Cabrillo College will empower students like me to become compassionate health care professionals who give back to the communities that have shaped us,” Llamas said. “I am very thankful to Kaiser Permanente for contributing to this program, and I look forward to starting in the fall.”