A hospital needed nurses. Baltimore County wanted more good jobs. This program helps both.

Becoming a nurse sounded like the perfect job for Danielle Gonzalez — at least on paper.

She already had experience working in health care. Before leaving the workforce to look after her third child, who was born with health problems, she worked as a certified medical assistant for about 10 years. Plus, she loved caring for others.

But when she looked into how much it would cost to go back to school, she became less optimistic. Her husband, a carpenter, supported the family on a single income.