Coordinated Care donates $25,000 to EvCC healthcare students

Press Release

Release Date: Oct. 5, 2021

Coordinated Care invests in the next generation of healthcare students, with a $25,000 donation to the Everett Community College Foundation. EvCC Foundation Executive Director John Olson (left), Coordinated Care Government Relations Manager Marissa Ingalls, EvCC President Daria Willis, Coordinated Care Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Chandler, Coordinated Care President & CEO Beth Johnson, Coordinated Care Senior Community Relations Coordinator Ivonne Radovich and Coordinated Care Community Educator Lindsey Greene.

EVERETT, Wash. – Washington health plan Coordinated Care is donating $25,000 to the Everett Community College Foundation to train the next generation of healthcare students.

Ten $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to students in nursing, medical assisting, phlebotomy, pre-medicine or other healthcare programs. Coordinated Care is also donating $5,000 to the student emergency fund for healthcare students who experience an unexpected financial emergency that threatens their ability to continue their education.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing shortages of healthcare workers, and part of the solution is encouraging more students to enter healthcare professions. Coordinated Care is the first Medicaid plan to establish a scholarship fund to address this need. 

Coordinated Care looked to invest in this opportunity with community colleges because they are skilled at supporting first-generation and underrepresented student populations, with proven retention strategies and increased certificate and degree completion.

“The Coordinated Care community scholarship is an exciting and distinct way to address workforce shortages and for us to contribute to the future of local of healthcare,” Coordinated Care President, Beth Johnson said. “We know the Everett Community College Foundation is in tune with the needs of their students, helping to reduce student loan debt and keeping students engaged in their studies. We also know, from working with our members, surprise costs are barriers that can have a ripple effect, creating major obstacles - the emergency fund is critical to helping students focus on and reach their career goals.” 

EvCC has educated healthcare students since the college was founded in 1941. Today, health sciences programs are among the college’s most popular education options, with programs that range from one-quarter certificates to associate degrees to preparation for bachelor and graduate degrees. Most graduates stay in the area to live and work.

“Coordinated Care recognizes that students need both scholarships and emergency funding to help them complete their programs. We appreciate their generosity and will ensure their contribution gets to students who need the support,” said John Olson, EvCC Executive Director of Government & Community Relations and Executive Director of the EvCC Foundation.

Coordinated Care is a managed care organization that provides healthcare coverage to more than 200,000 members across Washington State. Coordinated Care is committed to improving the health of the community one person at a time through affordable and reliable health care plans. They treat the whole person by breaking down barriers to accessing care, walking members through their benefits and connecting them to what they need. Coordinated Care is also providing scholarship funding to Columbia Basin College in eastern Washington. 

The EvCC Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that works with Everett Community College to make accessible learning opportunities available to all. Through scholarships, program support, and emergency aid the Foundation enables students to continue their education and achieve their dreams. All donations to EvCC Foundation are tax deductible as allowed by law.