Due to the slowly recovering economy, many people are heading back to school to explore new career opportunities. However, one city is offering a nursing program to students who may not have had the opportunity to learn about the growing industry.

According to the Rockford Register Star, the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) has partnered up with Rock Valley College and Winnebago County, Illinois, to provide residents a nursing assistant training program that can get them back on their feet in the difficult economy.

“Our focus is not keeping people where they are in life, but helping them move on,” RHA Resident Services Manager Cherene Sweeny told the news source. “These are opportunities to change lives and grow both financially and emotionally.”

Kimberle Graham used to work in a factory when she learned about the special program offered to RHA residents. Not only would the program cover the costs of classes toward a certified nursing assistant degree, but it also covered the costs of textbooks and scrubs, along with helping her get on the job training at the River Bluff Nursing Home.

According to the Bureau of Labor Department, employment in the nursing sector is expected to grow by more than 22% between 2008 and 2018.