People in Progress

The People In Progress Educational Center (PIP) was established in 1991 by Saint Joseph's Hospital with the assistance of a grant from the Mercy Foundation. The center was originally named the People In Progress (PIP) Learning Center. The name was changed to The PIP Educational Center to more accurately reflect the many educational opportunities available.

PIP provides academic training to all employees from basic life skills to degree preparation. Offerings include GED tutoring/testing; ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT training; medical terminology training; basic reading and math tutoring; computer training; support to staff using Microsoft programs; English as a Second Language (ESL) classes; and Spanish translation services on an as-needed basis to all hospital departments.

In June 2004, Saint Joseph's Hospital and PIP contracted with Catalyst Learning to provide a School At Work Program (SAW). SAW is a career-ladders program designed to prepare entry-level employees through training for alternate, higher level jobs in the hospital. SAW classes started in September 2004 for an eight-month term.

In addition, PIP provides personal employee translation assistance with completing important health screening documents, making appropriate benefit selections, selecting or filing for retirement programs, and other HR issues, as well as assistance completing the mandatory Annual Update process.

Time is also allocated for the preparation and administration of the "Update" to all employees in the Saint Joseph's Health System. PIP provides personal assistance to those employees with literacy issues in completing the Update test and any other document assistance needed for daily living.