HireSmart Cares wants young people to feel pride as they learn career skills while still in high school. That’s why the organization aims to help students be “dressed for success.”

The Madison County-based nonprofit provides scrubs for students in Broad River College and Career Academy’s (BRCCA) health science pathway so they can experience the confidence of looking and feeling like healthcare professionals. HireSmart also secured a donation from Queensboro Shirt Company of 76 collared shirts valued at $2,000 for graduating seniors in Madison County’s work-based learning program to wear to job interviews.

“If you have ever been in a healthcare environment, you will notice most employees are wearing scrubs,” said work-based learning coordinator Melissa Yarbrough. “While there are a number of reasons why healthcare employees wear scrubs, one of the reasons is identification. People, especially patients, need to be able to differentiate medical professionals. Wearing specific colors of scrubs helps to identify what role healthcare workers serve.”

The BRCCA healthcare science pathway, which helps prepare students for a career in the healthcare industry, requires that students wear scrubs one day per week.

“For some, purchasing scrubs can be a hardship,” said Yarbrough. “HireSmart provided scrubs to ensure all students have the opportunity to feel their most confident while learning. Thank you for your generous donation of scrubs to our healthcare science pathway students. Your support means a great deal and will help lead students to success.”

Yarbrough said the donation from Queensboro for dress shirts for job interviews is also impactful.

“Your contribution of the shirts is a reminder of the importance of dressing for success and presenting oneself with confidence,” she said. “Queensboro’s support will have a lasting impact on our CTAE students as they grow and develop their skills for the future.”

HireSmart Cares Co-founder Mark Lackey says the organization’s mission is to help young people find meaningful career pathways that don’t involve long-term debt.

“Many students are seeking alternatives to college due to its high costs,” he said. “Our mission is to open up opportunities for skills-based training and hands-on learning, empowering young people to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to building a stronger community.”

Organizations interested in supporting youth career development can partner with HireSmart Cares to ensure every student has the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career path.

For more information about partnering with HireSmart Cares or supporting youth career development initiatives, visit hiresmartcares.org or email info@hiresmartcares.org.