Growing up and living in Finger Lakes Region, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of education, particularly in nursing. My classmates and I are immensely grateful for the passion our teachers at the Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES Practical Nursing Program bring into our lives. We've been taught by mentors who pour their heart and soul into every lesson, shaping not just skilled healthcare professionals but compassionate members of our community. This program is not just an educational course; it's a family and a lifeline to countless students and aspiring nurses.

Prior to my journey, I have met many graduates who have taken their education from this program and touched many lives in their nursing careers. These alumni are more than colleagues - they are friends and mentors I greatly admire and aspire to be like.

It is alarming to consider the impact that closing this program would have on our community. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. At a time when the demand for healthcare workers is soaring, eliminating a vital training ground for future nurses in our area would mean depriving our community of skilled practitioners essential for meeting this demand.

The Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES Practical Nursing Program not only serves the students of today but ensures that our community has the caring and competent nurses it will need tomorrow. By keeping this program active, we secure a cornerstone of local healthcare education, one that has been producing exceptionally indispensable nurses to our healthcare system.

We urge Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES to recognize the irreplaceable value of this program. Preserving it is crucial not only for the current students and teachers but also for the future well-being of our entire community. Let's stand together to safeguard the future of healthcare in the Finger Lakes Region.

Sign this petition to help prevent the closure of our beloved Practical Nursing Program.