Consider these programs if you want to….

Build a career that helps communities thrive

Begin a career in public health

Connect families to resources

Help fight the opioid epidemic

Community Healthcare Worker Certificate

A Community Health Worker certificate allows you to become an advocate and liaison for your community. You will learn to mediate between healthcare providers and patients, connect communities to health and social resources, and help people navigate the health and social care systems.

The Community Health Worker Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program Focus (OIFSP) will prepare participants to provide services to youth and families impacted by opioid use disorders (OUD) and other substance use disorders (SUD).

OIFSP Scholars will pursue their Community Health Worker basic certification with additional training in opioid crisis support.

Those interested will complete two levels of academic and work-based training.

  • Complete Community Health Worker Basic Certificate in one semester (full-time) or two semesters (part-time) (Fall semester start)
  • Includes five (5) foundational courses with an emphasis on opioid crisis support
  • Participate in an 80-hour field experience
  • Living stipend available
  • Tuition coverage and book voucher provided
  • Receive one-on-one and group mentorship
  • Students can apply for an OIFSP CHW Apprenticeship opportunity
  • A commitment of one-year (minimum)
  • Part-time or full-time paid opportunities are available
  • Ongoing training and mentorship as you work towards completion of the program
  • Hire-on stipend available

Are you ready to earn your Community Health Worker basic certificate?

Follow the steps below to apply and register for the CHW program at Malcolm X College.

  • Step 1: Become a City Colleges of Chicago – Malcolm X College Student

    Click here to Apply for Malcolm X College.

    If you are a previous (within 2 years) or current CCC MXC student, check to make sure your portal is active by logging in at my.ccc.edu. If it isn’t, please reapply. If you are a CCC student but at a different campus, please apply to Malcolm X.

    If you’re new to MXC or taking online courses, please attend or re-watch MXC Student Orientation for Online Learning.

    *Make sure to complete ALL application items including submitting any previous transcripts, proof of residency, etc. to not delay your ability to register.

  • Step 2: Attend an Information Session

    Click here to attend an Information Session.

    We want to make sure you know what the CHW program is about and what to expect.

  • Step 3: Complete the Intent Form

    Click here to complete the Intent Form.

    This form is your intent to apply and register for the upcoming semester. This is your first step to securing your seat in the program.

Paid for by HRSA

Certified Recovery Support Specialist

Do you have lived experience in mental health and/or substance use recovery? Are you interested in supporting others in their recovery? Malcolm X College is now offering an additional opportunity for students to become a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS). The CRSS Success Program will provide students with lived experience the opportunity to gain a credential in recovery support.

The role of a CRSS/CPRS includes helping peers make and reach goals for recovery, learn and practice new skills, monitor their progress, support them in treatment, and develop recovery plans.

Those interested will have to complete both classroom education and practical experience training.

Program Fun Facts

You will complete 110 hours of classroom education and 300 internship hours over the course of 18 weeks

Classes take place during the Fall and Spring semesters

This program fulfills the application requirements to qualify for the CRSS or CPRS credentialing exam

A stipend is available

Tuition coverage and books provided

Follow the steps below to apply for the CRSS Success Program at Malcolm X College.

If your application is accepted:

  • Step 3: If your application is accepted, you will be contacted by a CRSS Success Program team member for a brief interview

    After the interview, you will be notified via email if you are selected for admission to the program.

  • Step 4: You will receive a link to register for the upcoming semester.

    Course registration opens up approximately one month before class begins. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible.

    Learn more about Adult Education at MXC by clicking here.

    Connect with us on Virtual Student Services by clicking here. 

Paid for by IDHS

Frequently Asked Questions

The classes will be a combination of in-person and virtual, over Zoom. You will receive a schedule before the first day of class so that you know which classes will be in-person and which will be virtual.

Most classes take place on weekday evenings.

Malcolm X College has all the tools to help you succeed. Adult Education classes are offered to support computer skills, learning English, or completing your GED/high school equivalency. Instructors are available outside of classroom time for office hours and by email. Take advantage of the writing center and tutoring center –both places have staff to assist with assignments. You can also access these services virtually at ccc.edu/vss.

If you’re having trouble enrolling online, visit us in person at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago , IL 60612. Assistance with Admissions, Academic Advising, or Financial Aid can be found in “The Heart” – Room 1412.

While not mandatory, we strongly recommend that students complete the Community Health Worker basic certificate in one semester as a full-time student or two semesters as a part-time student before moving on to the CRSS/CPRS class. Students who are currently working as a recovery specialist who are not interested in the CHW basic certificate may be considered for enrollment in the CRSS/CPRS class.

At this time, the CRSS/CPRS program is only for students with lived experience in recovery. If you’re interested in continuing your education in mental health and/or substance use and do not have lived experience in recovery, City Colleges offers other options for you. Reach out to the Academic Advising department to learn more.

Yes. This is a requirement for both programs.

Contact Us

Elizabeth Thompson, Director-Grants Administration

MXC-CRSS@ccc.edu