PROJECT COOPER L.I.F.T.
Life Incentive Fulfillment Training Program
The Cooper L.I.F.T. program has been growing rapidly. In 2020, through the educational arm of L.I.F.T., Impact Charity Services brought together two of our partners, Cooper Hospital and Camden County College, to formulate a program that empowers entry-level employees to reach a higher skill and educational level and thereby obtain a higher level of employment within the hospital.
L.I.F.T: Advancing Careers Through Healthcare Workforce Development
The L.I.F.T. Program, an educational initiative of Impact Charity Services, helps entry-level healthcare workers build the skills, education, and credentials needed to advance their careers and create greater economic opportunity.
In 2020, Impact Charity Services brought together two community partners—Cooper University Hospital and Camden County College—to develop an innovative healthcare workforce development and career training program. L.I.F.T. creates a pathway for entry-level hospital employees to pursue additional education and vocational training, strengthen their professional skills, and qualify for higher-level healthcare positions and career advancement opportunities within the hospital.
As the L.I.F.T. Program continues to grow, so does its impact. By connecting healthcare education, vocational training, and employment opportunities, L.I.F.T. helps individuals move beyond entry-level positions toward sustainable careers while helping healthcare organizations develop a stronger, more highly skilled workforce.
Education creates opportunity. Opportunity creates independence. L.I.F.T. helps turn entry-level jobs into lasting healthcare careers.
From Entry-Level Employment to Skilled Healthcare Careers
Cooper University Hospital identified a critical workforce need for trained Critical Care Technicians and an opportunity to create new career pathways for existing entry-level employees.
Working collaboratively, Camden County College and Cooper University Hospital developed an accredited training program designed around the hospital’s specific workforce needs. To make continuing education more accessible for working employees, Camden County College brought the classroom directly to the hospital, allowing participants to complete their healthcare career training onsite.
Employees working in entry-level positions, including food service and housekeeping, were invited to apply through the hospital’s Talent Management Team. Those selected demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to career advancement—completing their regular eight-hour work shifts before attending five-hour classes twice a week for 12 weeks.
100% Program Completion
All seven participants successfully completed the program, earning certifications that prepared them for expanded roles as Critical Care Technicians, Phlebotomists, and EKG Technicians.
Following graduation, participants began transitioning into new positions throughout the hospital—turning entry-level employment into an opportunity for professional advancement and a sustainable career in healthcare.
Through L.I.F.T., Impact Charity Services and its partners are helping remove barriers to education while developing a stronger healthcare workforce and creating pathways to greater economic opportunities.
Impact Charity Services is proud to have developed this program with our partners and to have been able to pay for each student to attend through the generous support of our donors.
L.I.F.T. | Kevin’s Story: From Food & Nutrition to Critical Care Technician
Kevin began his journey at Cooper University Hospital as a Food and Nutrition Host. Eager to build a career in healthcare, he consistently looked for opportunities to learn, grow, and take on new challenges.
When Kevin learned that Cooper had a new Tech Generalist Educator, he sought her out to ask about opportunities to become a Critical Care Technician. His enthusiasm and determination were impossible to miss.
When a new training opportunity became available through a collaboration between Cooper University Hospital, Impact Charity Services, and Camden County College, Kevin immediately came to mind. He applied as soon as he learned about the program. Although he was not initially accepted, Kevin remained persistent and committed to his goal.
Nearly four months later, that persistence paid off: Kevin successfully completed the program and began the next chapter of his healthcare career as a Critical Care Technician.
Kevin demonstrated remarkable dedication throughout the program, working full days at Cooper before attending classes in the evening. Those who encountered him in the hospital hallways often heard about what he was learning, studying, and working toward.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Kevin shared:
“This has changed my life. I did not have the opportunity to go to college, so this gave me the chance.”
Kevin’s story represents what the LIFT Program is designed to accomplish: creating accessible pathways for motivated employees to gain new skills, advance professionally, and build sustainable careers in healthcare.
We are proud to have been part of Kevin’s journey and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes in his new role as a Critical Care Technician.