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Workforce development receives boost at Norwalk Hospital, thanks to McChord Foundation
08/27/2025
The McChord Foundation commits $1.5 million to support Norwalk Hospital’s Career Readiness Academy.
The McChord Foundation has made a significant commitment of $1.5 million to support Northwell Health’s Norwalk Hospital and its Career Readiness Academy, a program designed to prepare individuals for meaningful careers in healthcare. This gift reflects a deep belief in the power of education, mentorship and community investment to shape a stronger, more resilient healthcare workforce.
McChord Foundation partners with Dalio Education
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 at Norwalk Hospital — 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,” Holt McChord, a professional engineer, said. “We’re honored to invest in a program that opens doors, builds confidence and strengthens the future of healthcare in our region.”
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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.
The Academy for Career Readiness
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 while ensuring that care remains compassionate, community-focused and accessible.
“We are deeply grateful to the McChord Foundation for their generous support,” Peter R. Cordeau, president of Norwalk Hospital said. “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.”
McChord family’s connection to Norwalk Hospital
The McChord family, longtime residents of Newtown, has a personal connection to Norwalk Hospital. Holt McChord has expressed deep appreciation for the hospital’s gastroenterology department and emergency department staff, and the family’s ongoing support reflects their belief in Norwalk Hospital’s mission and impact.
As the McChord Foundation continues to expand its reach, its focus remains clear: to create lasting, meaningful change by investing in people, potential, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
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