Apprentice Spotlight: Anaiah Cunningham – Success Story

When Anaiah Cunningham found out about the benefits being offered through the Michigan Nursing Home Stabilization Grant at her employer MediLodge of Montrose, she knew immediately that this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. Working as a Medication Tech, Anaiah was ready to take the next step in her healthcare career, but the financial barriers seemed insurmountable—until she learned about the scholarship program. 

"Someone came in at our job and was just speaking to us about how, if we wanted to further our career in a nursing facility in the nursing field, they have money to help us with programs," Anaiah recalls. What followed was a journey of determination and transformation that would change her entire outlook on life. 

The scholarship application process, which Anaiah initially worried might be complicated, turned out to be surprisingly straightforward. "It wasn't difficult at all," she explains. "Everything was just pretty simple. You just had to know what you want to do and where you want to go to school to get the training." The support from H-CAP staff was instrumental—whenever she had questions, help was just a phone call or email away. 

Within just a couple of weeks of applying, Anaiah received approval for her scholarship to pursue training as a Central Sterile Processor Technician. The program, which she describes as "pretty expensive," was fully covered by the grant, removing the financial stress that might have prevented her from advancing her career. 

"I feel more motivated in life now that I feel like I'm getting somewhere. I feel successful. I feel like I'm gonna have a fresh journey—I'm gonna have a good start."

Anaiah completed her training in February, and the results speak for themselves. She recently received her first job offer at a hospital for a full-time position as a Surgical Sterile Processing Technician, working as a "float" across different departments. "I just recently got my first job offer at a hospital for full-time days," she shares with evident pride. The nurse manager was so impressed that she assured Anaiah she would receive her offer letter within days and even provided her direct office number to expedite the start process.  

The transformation goes beyond just career advancement. "I feel more motivated in life now that I feel like I'm getting somewhere. I feel successful. I feel like I'm gonna have a fresh journey—I'm gonna have a good start," Anaiah reflects. This sense of accomplishment and forward momentum represents exactly what the program aims to achieve. 

Looking toward the future, Anaiah isn't content to stop here. She's already considering additional training opportunities, including phlebotomy. "I might try to see if I can apply for another grant and do phlebotomy," she says. "It's the best opportunity to take it to get ahead." 

Her advice to others considering the program is both practical and inspiring: "Put your mind to it. If you know this is something that you want to do, there's something that you want to get done—just go ahead and put the effort in. You never know what can happen. This could change your whole life." 

For those hesitant about applying, Anaiah offers reassurance: "The steps are pretty much there. As long as you want to do something different and succeed, you can do it. I did it." Anaiah's story exemplifies the program's mission of removing barriers to career advancement in healthcare. From Med Tech to Surgical Sterile Processing Technician, her journey demonstrates that with the right support and determination, transformation is not just possible—it's within reach for anyone willing to take that first step.