THE NORTH STAR PATHWAY
From Homelessness to Healthcare.
From Opportunity to Independence.
ONE YEAR OF SUPPORT. A LIFETIME OF OPPORTUNITY.
CURE's North Star Initiative creates a fully supported, 12-month pathway for 400 individuals experiencing homelessness in San Francisco.
Participants apply to the program and relocate to Connecticut, where they complete the first 50% of their education at the Academy of Diagnostic and Osteopathic Medicine (ADOM Academy).
They then complete the remaining 50% through supervised clinical training with our nationwide clinical partners, preparing them to enter professional healthcare careers with the education, experience, and support needed for long-term financial independence.
THE JOURNEY
Six Steps to Independence
A clear pathway from application to a professional healthcare career.
1
Apply
2
Relocate
3
Educate
4
Train
5
Credential
6
Work
Individuals experiencing homelessness in San Francisco apply directly to North Star and complete ADOM Academy's admissions process.
North Star coordinates and funds relocation from San Francisco to Connecticut.
Students complete classroom instruction, hands-on ultrasound training, patient care education and professional development.
Students complete supervised clinical education through ADOM and nationwide clinical partners.
Students may take the SPI examination while enrolled and can immediately pursue specialty credentialing upon graduation.
Graduates can pursue employment anywhere in the United States including San Francisco if they choose.
THE INVESTMENT
A Complete 12-Month Investment
North Star covers the full educational and living experience so participants can focus on learning, clinical training and preparing for their careers.
Every participant receives comprehensive support throughout the program. Existing resources are considered to avoid unnecessary expenses while ensuring every student has what they need to succeed.
PER PARTICIPANT
$118,500
Complete 12-month investment
400 PARTICIPANTS
$47.4M
Total program investment
Housing is budgeting at an average of $2,000 per month. Costs may vary depending on clinical placement locations.
THE COMPARISON
Spending vs. Investing
San Francisco spends an estimated $75,000 to $100,000 annually per person responding to homelessness. These expenditures support shelters, housing programs, emergency healthcare, public safety, sanitation, outreach and administration. North Star invests $118,500 over 12 months to provide stable housing, food, education, clinical training, credentialing preparation, and career placement
SUSTAINABILITY
The Pay It Forward Model
North Star is designed to continue beyond the first 400 participants. future cohorts can receive support through employer sponsorship and contributions from employed North Star graduates.
Employer Sponsorship
Healthcare employers sponsor future studeents' education in exchange for a proposed two-year employment commitment following graduation.
Under the model, employers recover their educational investment through agreed upon compensation arrangements over that period.
Graduate Contributions
As graduates establish their careers, they contribute to housing for future North Star participants.
THE RETURN
A Lifetime of Opportunity
A career in diagnostic medical sonography can provide long-term financial independence.
A PATHWAY THAT CONTINUES
One Opportunity Creates Another
North Star begins by investing in people have have experienced homelessness. It provides the housing, food, healthcare, support and clinical training necessary to puruse a professional career. Graduates can then help support future participants, while employer sponsorhips provide another source of educational funding.
Be Part of the Pathway
Whether you're ready to begin a new career or help someone else begin theirs, North Star offers a way forward.
HELP BUILD THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY
Healthcare employers, organizations and supporters can help expand North Star through partnerships, sponsorships and resources.