Healthcare Education Fund (Ed Fund)

A partnership between healthcare industry employers and SEIU local unions, funded by collectively bargained employer contributions to provide education and training benefits for over 105,000 eligible healthcare workers.

Mission: Empower diverse healthcare workforce to advance in a changing environment through innovative education and training solutions.

Geographic Scope: Available to SEIU 49 members at Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health, Columbia Memorial Hospital, and Planned Parenthood (Oregon and Southwest Washington region).

Eligibility:

• SEIU 49 members employed at Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health, Columbia Memorial Hospital, or Planned Parenthood
• Benefit is won through collective bargaining

Funding Areas:

• Critical Skills: Computer classes, medical terminology, foundational math/science, online soft skills courses, critical skills webinars, language programs
• Continuing Education (CEU) classes for maintaining professional licenses or certificates
• Certification & Licensure Reimbursement: Up to $1,500 annual for renewal of current licenses or specialty certifications
• Job-to-Job Support: For workers experiencing layoff or reduction in force (RIF)
• College Courses: General education classes, prerequisites, certificate and degree career pathway programs
• Career Pathways: Fully funded certificate and degree programs in Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, Sterile Processing, Mental Health and more
• 1-on-1 Career Counseling

Contact Information:

• Angelynn Avé, Regional Coordinator: (510) 980-1151, aave@theedfund.org
• Zeny Ehrlich, Regional Coordinator: (510) 289-8071, zehrlich@theedfund.org
• Website: TheEdFund.org

How to Apply

Process:

1. Contact your Regional Coordinator for assistance
2. Work with Career Counselors to identify and achieve academic and career goals
3. Determine which benefit category applies (Critical Skills, Continuing Education, College Courses, Career Pathways, etc.)
4. Submit required documentation for reimbursement or enrollment

Available Benefits:

• Skills & Preparation Courses: No cost
• Continuing Education CEU Classes: No cost
• Certification & Licensure Reimbursement: Up to $1,500 annually for continuing education, membership fees, conference and seminar costs
• Job-to-Job Support: Up to $5,000 reimbursement for accredited training program costs; Up to 500 hours wage replacement
• College Courses/Tuition Support: Up to $5,250 reimbursement for tuition, textbooks, and fees
• Wage Replacement: Up to $10,000 to supplement loss of income due to reduced hours for study/school/clinicals (KPNW, LHS, PPCW only)
• Career Pathways: Fully funded certificate and degree programs
• 1-on-1 Career Counseling: Available to all eligible members

Contact for Questions:

• Regional Coordinators listed above are available to help guide the application process