Individuals who enrolled in PCPP received accelerated instruction and academic advising by participating in one or more of three health care skills academies. The academies provided basic skills remediation and occupational training along with academic advising, instructional supports, access to emergency funds for one-time expenses, such as car repairs, and continued support after program completion. Each skills academy lasted for one semester, although students were able to enroll in up to three academies for a possible total duration of 1.5 academic years.

The program provided a life-skills course and internet-based instruction designed to improve math and reading skills to the ninth-grade level. After completing the initial education, participants could enroll in occupational training in certificate courses, including courses in the administrative support, health care, and manufacturing fields. Participants began with a life-skills course that lasted 17 hours, progressed to occupational training courses that lasted between 2.5 and 16 weeks, and finished with 24 hours of career-readiness training.