Campaign Overview

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are the bridge between healthcare and community. They’re trusted neighbors who understand the challenges their communities face because they’ve lived them. This campaign creates scholarships to train and certify CHWs from underserved communities, creating both healthcare capacity and economic opportunity.

Why Community Health Workers Matter

CHWs speak the language (literally and culturally) of the communities they serve. They provide health education, patient navigation, chronic disease support, and connection to resources. Studies show CHW interventions improve health outcomes, reduce hospitalizations, and save healthcare costs.

The CHW Training Program

8-Week Comprehensive Certification Training

• Week 1-2: Public health fundamentals, community health needs assessment
• Week 3-4: Health education and communication skills, motivational interviewing
• Week 5-6: Patient navigation, care coordination, resource connection
• Week 7: Cultural competence, ethics, boundaries, advocacy
• Week 8: Documentation, data collection, final practicum

Topics Covered

• Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, asthma)
• Maternal and child health
• Mental health and substance use
• Infectious disease prevention
• Social determinants of health
• Healthcare system navigation
• Community organizing and advocacy

Certification & Job Placement

• State-recognized CHW certification upon completion
• Resume building and interview skills workshop
• Direct job placement with The Health Initiative
• Partnership placement with hospitals, clinics, nonprofits
• Ongoing professional development and continuing education

Scholarship Program

Each scholarship covers:

• Full tuition for 8-week training program ($2,500 value)
• Textbooks and training materials
• Certification exam fees
• Professional clothing allowance
• Transportation stipend during training
• Childcare support during class hours

Who Can Apply

Community members from underserved populations who demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to community service
• Cultural competence and language skills
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• High school diploma or GED
• Passion for health equity
• No healthcare experience required—we train from scratch!

Campaign Impact (Aug 2022 – Aug 2023)

• 30 CHW scholarships awarded
• 28 trainees completed program (93% completion rate)
• 27 achieved state CHW certification (96% pass rate)
• 25 secured employment within 3 months (93% placement rate)
• 15 hired by The Health Initiative
• 10 placed with partner organizations
• Average starting wage: $18.50/hour

Graduate Impact

In their first year, our CHW graduates collectively:

• Served 2,500+ community members
• Conducted 3,800+ home visits
• Provided 1,200+ health education sessions
• Connected 850+ individuals to medical care
• Helped 400+ patients access medications

How Funds Were Used

• 70% – Training tuition and materials for 30 scholars
• 15% – Wrap-around support (childcare, transportation, clothing)
• 10% – Job placement and career support services
• 5% – Program administration and coordination

Campaign Results: SUCCESSFUL

Goal: $75,000 | Raised: $78,200 (104% of goal)

With support from 310+ individual donors, workforce development grants, and healthcare system partners, we funded 30 scholarships and launched careers for 25 new CHWs.

Scholar Stories

“I was working two minimum-wage jobs to support my family. The CHW program gave me a career with benefits and the chance to help my community. I’m now a supervisor training other CHWs.” – Carmen R., CHW graduate

“As an immigrant, I understand the challenges of navigating healthcare. Now I help other immigrants access care, translate, and advocate. It’s the most meaningful work I’ve ever done.” – Ahmed K., CHW graduate

Program Continues

This campaign established ongoing funding for CHW scholarships. We now train two cohorts per year (30 scholarships annually), creating a pipeline of community health leaders and healthcare professionals.