MedCerts and City of Refuge Partner to Provide Career Training for Underserved Communities

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

MedCerts, a nationally recognized leader in online career training and a Stride Inc. company, has forged a strategic partnership with City of Refuge, an Atlanta-based nonprofit. Together, they aim to empower underserved individuals by offering industry-recognized healthcare training, paving the way to sustainable careers, financial independence and a brighter future.

The alliance represents a powerful commitment to bridge the gap between education and employment in healthcare. As part of Stride, Inc.’s portfolio of education brands, MedCerts equips individuals with the healthcare skills and certifications to secure stable jobs, break the cycle of poverty and create pathways to long-term success. City of Refuge, a pillar of support in Atlanta for decades, provides housing, medical care, educational programs and job training to those in need. Their partnership with MedCerts enhances their workforce development initiatives, ensuring that individuals transitioning from homelessness, incarceration, addiction or domestic violence have access to meaningful careers.

MedCerts will provide high-quality online training and certification programs, while the City of Refuge will host in-person training sessions, ensuring students receive the technical knowledge and hands-on support they need to succeed. The first group of participants, set to begin in late spring, will focus on programs that position them for jobs in high-demand fields such as Medical Assistant, providing participants a clear pathway to stable, rewarding careers.

“This collaboration is about more than just training – it’s about empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence to build a sustainable future,” said Jeannie Ross, Director of Workforce Development at City of Refuge. “By partnering with MedCerts, we can offer high-quality, industry-leading training that leads to real job opportunities, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating lasting economic stability.”

The innovative eLearning model by Medcerts is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing students to learn at their own pace while receiving the guidance of career advisors, success coaches and a network of employers eager to hire skilled professionals.

“MedCerts is committed to expanding access to education and workforce development, and our partnership with City of Refuge allows us to make a direct impact on the lives of those striving for economic stability,” said Jennifer Kolb, vice president of partnerships and workforce development at MedCerts. “By removing barriers to education and employment, we can create real opportunities for individuals who might otherwise struggle to enter the workforce.”

Beyond technical training, participants will receive mentorship, job placement assistance and wraparound support services to ensure their success. Graduates are prepared to earn industry-recognized certifications and gain direct access to employers eager to hire qualified professionals, setting them up for long-term success in the healthcare field.

As the MedCerts and City of Refuge partnership grows, both organizations plan to explore additional training opportunities and expand access to more individuals in need. For more information about this partnership, please reach out to Martha Roberts, Job Training Case Manager, at [email protected].