Connect

In 2024, UVA Health allocated more than $265,000 in grant funding to 42 local nonprofit organizations: 24 in the Prince William Health District; 18 in the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District. These funds support our communities' most vulnerable populations — reflecting our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and addressing healthcare workforce development. 

Connect gets a firsthand look at how HireGround, Inc. utilized their grant to benefit young job seekers in 2024.

A Vision for Their Future

HireGround, Inc. empowers young job searchers to find ways to invest in their future, and helps them to strengthen their job searching skills. The HireGround team boasts an impressive collective of more than 50 college degrees, professional certifications, and licenses — with a combined experience spanning  125+ years in various fields. Their diverse team of volunteers includes professors, business owners, accountants, parents, and professionals from many other walks of life.

What sets HireGround apart is not just the wealth of experience they bring to the table, but their commitment to helping students discover their personal strengths and career aspirations. Their mission is more than just job placement — it’s about mentoring, coaching, and empowering young people to invest in their futures.

The programs at HireGround encompass a broad spectrum of support, from basic skills such as resume building and job interview techniques to more personal development areas such as anger management, English language learning, and life skills. Workshops focus on career roadmaps, business skills, and developmental growth, giving participants the tools they need to succeed in the workforce and beyond. But HireGround’s approach goes further — by providing mentorship and emotional support, the team helps students build confidence, self-worth, and a vision for their future.

Supporting Healthcare Employment

One of the needs identified in the UVA Health Community Health Needs Assessment for the Prince William Health District is support for future healthcare workers. This group has a particularly transformative partnership with a local high school in Prince William County, where they work with students enrolled in the Certified Nurses Association (CNA) program. This two-year certification program, which provides students with the skills necessary to become CNAs, often extends beyond high school, creating a financial barrier for many students who wish to continue and complete the certification.

HireGround recognized this challenge and applied for a grant from UVA Health to support these students. Their goal was clear: to help students complete the second year of the CNA certification, providing them with the opportunity for a fulfilling career in healthcare. The grant enabled HireGround to cover 75% of the tuition required for each student, while the remaining 25% would be covered by the student’s part-time employment.

The idea behind this approach is simple but effective: students are more invested in their education when they have a personal stake in it. By working part-time to cover the remaining tuition costs, the students not only gain valuable work experience but also develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for their future. In addition, HireGround helps students secure part-time jobs, further easing their path toward completion.

‘A Bright Future of Possibilities’ 

The results speak for themselves. With the support from HireGround and UVA Health, five students were able to complete their CNA certification. Four of them were successfully placed in healthcare jobs, while the fifth student, who remained at her job, received a raise after completing the program.

“Our students often come back to thank us and ask for help with resumes, interviews, and to explore further career opportunities,” says Jinnae Monroe, President and Chief Executive Officer, HireGround. “One young woman is so inspired by the program that she now wants to pursue a nursing degree, with aspirations of eventually becoming a doctor. To see a student start with no vision beyond a job to make ends meet and then transform into someone who sees a bright future full of possibilities, is incredibly rewarding.”

Unlocking Potential 

While Monroe has not yet applied for a second grant, the success of this initiative has inspired her to apply for funding in the upcoming spring grant cycle. The impact of the partnership with UVA Health and the success stories of these students reaffirms her belief in the power of education and mentorship to transform lives.

“Seeing these students take ownership of their future, knowing they’ve earned their success, and watching them grow from simply surviving to thriving — this is why we do what we do,” Monroe reflects. "It’s not just about getting a job — it’s about helping young people unlock their potential and dream bigger for themselves. We’re so proud to be a part of that journey."

Through partnerships like this, HireGround, Inc. is not only helping students find jobs — they are helping them find purpose, build confidence, and transform lives. The success of this program is a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and the unwavering belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Learn more about how UVA Health supports needs and fosters strategic community partnerships throughout Northern Virginia and Culpeper.