PCA College Service Corps offers option for workers, those they serve

Minnesota is facing a growing shortage of personal care assistants (PCAs), threatening the ability of people with disabilities to live independently. The new PCA College Service Corps offers a solution by connecting college students with individuals who rely on PCA services, allowing students to gain professional experience, earn a wage plus a bonus, and develop meaningful relationships, while helping meet critical care needs.

Facilitated by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL), the program is open to students 18 or older enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Minnesota. Students commit to 10, 20, or 30-week terms, working about 10 hours per week as a PCA for participants who direct their own care.

Students are hired through the participant's PCA agency and receive training, mentoring, and guidance. The program is funded by the State of Minnesota and the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund.

MCIL emphasizes that the program not only addresses the direct care shortage but also promotes a "culture of care," fosters inclusion, and provides experiential learning that can earn college credit. Participants report that PCA support is essential for living actively and independently; without it, many face institutionalization or severe health risks.

The program is now accepting applications, offering a scalable model that could be replicated nationwide to help address the ongoing PCA crisis. More information is available on the MCIL website.