Students and community members interested in learning more about the College of the Canyons Skills for Healthy Aging Resources and Programs (SHARP) certificate program are invited to attend one of five upcoming program information sessions taking place throughout June and July.

Having debuted at COC in the fall of 2011, the 12-unit SHARP program was the first program of its kind to be offered anywhere in the nation. Designed for students to be able to complete in as little as one semester, the SHARP program is geared toward individuals interested in pursuing a career in aging services or the larger health-care industry.

By providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to begin assisting older adults through the delivery of various types of evidence-based health promotion (EBHP) strategies, the SHARP program has also been successful in placing student interns at community agencies and organizations, which specialize in serving older adults.

In fact, SHARP program coordinators have already been able to help place a number of former students in internships at more than 15 such Los Angeles area community organizations and agencies.

“Over the past year the SHARP program has graduated 50 highly motivated students who are passionate about working with older adults,” said Dr. Patty Robinson, dean of Social Sciences and Business at the college and SHARP program coordinator.

“This program addresses a core, yet neglected, need within our society,” Robinson said, “and the college is excited to be able to help meet that need.”

Students interested in learning more about the one-semester SHARP program and the growing number of employment opportunities available in the aging services and health care industries, should plan on attending one of five upcoming information sessions being held at the college’s Valencia campus in Hasley Hall, Room 232 at the following dates and times:

* 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 20

* 5 to 6 p.m. Monday, June 25

* 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 5

* 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, July 9

* 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 11

The SHARP program was formed in collaboration with College of the Canyons, Santa Barbara City College, Partners in Care Foundation, National Council on Aging, California Geriatric Education Center and the California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics, with funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Upon completion of the program students will be able to pursue employment in the aging services industry.

For more information about the college’s SHARP program and upcoming information sessions please contact Dr. Patty Robinson at patty.robinson@canyons.edu or call (661) 362-3992 or visit http://www.canyons.edu/departments/SOC/SHARP/Sharp_Home.asp.