Kaiser Education Fund

The Education Fund is a benefit obtained through the collective bargaining process that provides training and educational opportunities for eligible employees.

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

Geographic Scope: Colorado (KPCO - Kaiser Permanente Colorado)

Funding Source: Almost entirely from employer contributions, along with some federal, state, and local grants to sister organization, the Shirley Ware Education Center (SWEC). Employers are required to pay into the Education Fund through their contracts with the union. The Education Fund does NOT receive union dues money.

Focus Areas:

• Workforce development
• Skills training
• Ongoing professional support
• Career advancement
• Medical imaging modality training (additional financial support available)

Eligibility: Healthcare employees at KPCO (Kaiser Permanente Colorado)

Contact Information:

• Name: Maria Isabela Aldana, MS, GCDF Regional Coordinator, Colorado
• Email: maldana@theedfund.org
• Phone/Text: (303) 330-7436

Application Process

The Education Fund conducts periodic surveys to identify training needs and interests from members. Survey respondents include:

• All KPCO employees
• Medical imaging staff (asked additional questions for modality training support)

Process:

1. Employees receive email link from The Education Fund (sent to kp.org account or alternate address on file)
2. Complete survey with questions about training needs, interests, and career advancement barriers
3. Follow-up reminders sent to non-responders
4. Survey results shared with labor, management, stewards, UBT leads, and Health & Safety Champions

Required Materials:

• Feedback on training needs and interests
• Identification of career advancement barriers
• For medical imaging staff: additional information about modality training

Contact for Scheduling:

• Email: maldana@theedfund.org
• Phone/Text: (303) 330-7436