NORWALK — The McChord Foundation has committed $1.5 million to support Norwalk Hospital, part of Northwell Health’s Nuvance Health, and its Career Readiness Academy, a program designed to prepare individuals for meaningful careers in healthcare.
The Foundation’s support will be distributed over three years, fully funding the Academy’s third year through a co-investment with Dalio Education. It will also accelerate the hiring of an Academy achievement coach in the first year and sustain the career navigator role throughout the program — an essential guide for participants as they navigate training, career planning, and personal growth.
“The Career Readiness Academy reflects the kind of forward-thinking, community-rooted initiatives the McChord Foundation is proud to support,” said Holt McChord, PE. “We’re honored to invest in a program that opens doors, builds confidence, and strengthens the future of healthcare in our region.”
Founded in 2022, the McChord Foundation supports education, STEM initiatives, equal opportunity, medical debt relief, and open space preservation. Its work is grounded in a commitment to equity and access, with past support for organizations like A Better Chance of Wilton and Undue Medical Debt.
Norwalk Hospital’s Career Readiness Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends hands-on training, mentorship, and career guidance. It is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
“We are deeply grateful to the McChord Foundation for their generous support,” said Peter Cordeau, Norwalk Hospital president. “This investment is more than a gift. It’s a partnership rooted in shared values and a shared vision for a healthier, more empowered community.”
The McChord family, longtime residents of Newtown, has a personal connection to Norwalk Hospital. Holt McChord and his wife, Shelby McChord, have expressed deep appreciation for the hospital’s GI department and ER staff, and the family’s ongoing support reflects their belief in the Hospital’s mission and impact.
