BACKGROUND

Idaho is facing a worker shortage in most healthcare fields. Investments need to be made into training and education that help to bolster the healthcare workforce. Secondary education provides an opportunity to introduce students to healthcare professions and allow students to gain education, certificates, and associate degrees before graduating from high school.

The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health understands the importance of the healthcare workforce and how it impacts the health and vitality of our state. BCIFH is launching a new grant initiative that will help secondary schools across Idaho start or expand health professions programs. These programs will help train students who eventually will bolster our state’s healthcare workforce.

APPLICABLE USE OF FUNDS

School districts and/or high schools can receive funding up to $50,000 to help start or expand health professions programming. These one-time funds can be used to cover start-up or expansion costs related to the program. Funds can be used for items such as equipment, supplies, and/or staffing.

WHO CAN APPLY

Idaho public secondary schools or accredited public charter schools are eligible to apply for funding. Grants provide one-time funding with the intent of helping schools start or expand new health professions programs. Starting programs will allow schools or school districts to be eligible to apply for Career Technical Education (CTE) funding through the State of Idaho to make the health professions program sustainable.