Community Health Worker (CHW)

Training Programs

Led by Dr. LaTonya Baker, CHW Trainer and Vice President of the Wisconsin Association of Community Health Workers, our training programs are designed to prepare, train, and empower Community Health Workers (CHWs) who are passionate about serving their communities and addressing real-life barriers.

We offer three structured training pathways to support individuals at every stage:

Pre-Apprenticeship CHW Training

Registered Apprenticeship
CHW Training

Core Competency CHW Training

What is a Community Health Worker (CHW)?

All staff at Generation of Excellence Trendsetters Nonprofit are required to complete a Train-the-Trainer curriculum developed and delivered by our organization. This ensures that every trainer is fully prepared to deliver high-quality, consistent instruction aligned with our standards. In addition, staff must participate in ongoing professional development and receive mentorship to support their growth and effectiveness as facilitators.

Before providing any training, all staff undergo a thorough orientation that covers our organization’s mission, vision, and core values. Administrative staff regularly monitor performance and compliance to ensure trainings are delivered with excellence and that our organizational goals are being met.

We are committed to operating with integrity, compassion, and professionalism in everything we do—from internal operations to community-facing services.

Each training includes:
  • Participant Guides – Comprehensive manuals that walk learners through the content, complete with guided notes, exercises, and reflection activities.

  • Pre- and Post-Surveys – Assessments that help measure student growth, knowledge retention, and training impact.

  • Videos & Visual Aids – Multimedia content to reinforce learning objectives and accommodate visual and auditory learners.

  • Interactive Scenarios – Real-life case studies and role-playing exercises that help students apply what they learn to real-world situations.

  • PowerPoint Presentations – Professionally designed slides to support instructor-led or self-paced learning formats.

Learner-Centered Model

Our training is delivered using a trauma-informed and client-centered lens, with flexibility to meet diverse learning styles—whether visual, kinesthetic, auditory, or experiential.

Students are encouraged to:
  • Engage in open discussion
  • Reflect on personal and professional goals
  • Practice using tools and knowledge in live or simulated environments

Key Differences Between Our Programs

Pre-Apprenticeship

Focus:
Career exploration and foundational skills
Experience Level:
Beginner
Outcome:
Certificate + pathway to next step

Apprenticeship

Focus:
Paid work + advanced training
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Outcome:
Work experience + career placement

Core Competency Training

Focus:
Standardized CHW skills
Experience Level:
Beginner–Intermediate
Outcome:
Recognized CHW training certificate

Important Note About Certification in Wisconsin

Wisconsin does not currently require a state-issued CHW certification, but training programs like ours provide certificates of completion that are widely recognized by employers and organizations.

Pre-Apprenticeship CHW Training

Best for: Beginners or individuals exploring a CHW career

Our Pre-Apprenticeship program prepares participants with foundational skills, exposure, and readiness for employment or apprenticeship placement.

What You Will Learn:

  • Introduction to the CHW role
  • Communication and engagement skills
  • Professionalism and workplace readiness
  • Basic health education and community outreach
  • Understanding systems (healthcare, social services, reentry, disability services)
  • Documentation and basic case management

Program Features:

  • Classroom-based learning
  • Hands-on activities and group projects
  • Exposure to real-world CHW scenarios
  • Career coaching and pathway planning

Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Passion for helping others and community engagement
  • Willingness to participate in group activities and presentations

Outcome:

Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and may transition into:

  • CHW employment
  • Apprenticeship program
  • Advanced CHW training

CHW Apprenticeship Program

Best for: Individuals ready for paid, hands-on workforce training

Our Apprenticeship Program combines paid on-the-job training with continued education, allowing participants to gain real experience while building a sustainable career.

What You Will Gain:

  • Paid work experience as a CHW
  • Mentorship from experienced CHWs and supervisors
  • Real client interaction and case management
  • Workforce readiness and leadership development

Training Includes:

  • Advanced CHW skills
  • Care coordination and documentation
  • Data tracking and reporting
  • Client-centered care planning
  • Trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices

Requirements:

  • Completion of Pre-Apprenticeship or Core Competency Training (preferred)
  • Commitment to program participation
  • Ability to work in community-based settings
  • Background check may be required depending on placement

Outcome:

  • Documented work experience hours
  • Career placement support
  • Advancement opportunities in healthcare, nonprofits, and community-based organizations

Core Competency CHW Training

Best for: Individuals seeking formal CHW training aligned with national standards

This program focuses on the nationally recognized CHW Core Competencies, preparing participants for professional roles across healthcare and community systems.

Core Competencies Include:

  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Service coordination and system navigation
  • Advocacy and community capacity building
  • Health education and health literacy
  • Cultural responsiveness
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Professional skills and ethics

Program Structure:

  • Structured curriculum aligned with national CHW standards (C3 Project)
  • Interactive learning and group discussions
  • Real-world case studies
  • Final project or presentation

Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Commitment to completing coursework
  • Participation in discussions, assignments, and group work

Outcome:

Participants receive a Core Competency Certificate of Completion, which:

  • Strengthens employability
  • Prepares for CHW roles across sectors
  • Meets employer-preferred training standards

Why Choose Trendsetters?

At Generation of Excellence Trendsetters Nonprofit, we go beyond traditional training by integrating:

Real-world community engagementWorkforce development and job readinessSupport for justice-impacted individuals and underserved populationsMentorship from experienced CHWs and trainersOpportunities to participate in pilot programs and funded initiatives

We are committed to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and developing the next generation of CHW leaders.

Get Started

To apply for CHW training, please visit our Training tab and complete the registration form.

Training Application

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1. Visual Learners (Seeing) Prefer images, diagrams, charts, and videos to understand concepts. Example: A visual learner may grasp medical procedures better by watching a demonstration video or using a step-by-step infographic.
2. Auditory Learners (Hearing) Learn best through listening and verbal communication. Example: An auditory learner might retain information more effectively by participating in discussions, listening to lectures, or using podcasts.
3. Kinesthetic Learners (Doing) Learn by hands-on activities, movement, and real-world applications. Example: A kinesthetic learner would benefit from role-playing patient interactions or practicing skills in a hands-on training session.
4. Reading/Writing Learners (Text-Based) Learn best through reading and writing information down. Example: These learners may excel by reading textbooks, taking detailed notes, and summarizing key concepts in writing.
5. Social Learners (Interpersonal) Prefer group discussions, teamwork, and collaborative activities. Example: A social learner would thrive in group study sessions, peer discussions, or case study collaborations.
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