The Kaiser Permanente Northwest region has a long-standing commitment to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals through the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship Program. For over a decade, this impactful initiative provided crucial financial support to deserving students pursuing careers in the healthcare field. Operating across Kaiser Permanente’s Northwest service area, from north of Longview, Washington, to Eugene, Oregon, the program annually recognized outstanding seniors from 140 public high schools.
Since its inception in 2008-2009, the Kaiser Permanente Northwest Health Care Career Scholarship Program has awarded over 1,780 scholarships to more than 1,511 students. A remarkable 80% of these scholars are first-generation college attendees, while 91% come from diverse backgrounds, and 70% are identified as economically disadvantaged. Furthermore, 72% of recipients are bilingual, highlighting the program’s reach into varied communities. These nonrenewable scholarships, offered in amounts of $5,000 and $10,000, were granted to the most promising applicants from participating high schools, including returning scholars who continued to demonstrate excellence.
The core mission of the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship Program was to facilitate access to higher education and healthcare careers for students from diverse, economically, and socially challenged backgrounds. The rigorous application process prioritized nonacademic factors alongside academic achievements. Key evaluation criteria included:
- Academic accomplishments
- Active participation in extracurricular activities, community service, and/or employment
- Demonstrated commitment to a healthcare career path
- Strong character traits
- Diverse personal backgrounds and experiences
- Indicators of economic and/or social disadvantage
In 2021, the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship Program proudly awarded a total of $550,000 in scholarships to 69 graduating high school seniors and 14 college students. These accomplished individuals were celebrated in a virtual recognition video, marking their achievements and potential contributions to healthcare.
Over its 13-year history, the Kaiser Permanente Northwest Health Care Career Scholarship Program has invested over $4.2 million in scholarships, supporting more than 1,400 students in their educational journeys. However, after the 2021 scholarship cycle, the difficult decision was made to conclude this regional program. Looking ahead, Kaiser Permanente remains dedicated to supporting students pursuing healthcare careers through strategic partnerships with the United Negro College Fund and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Scholarship opportunities through these partnerships were expected to open in spring 2022, with information disseminated to high school teachers and counselors.
An independent evaluation by Education Northwest assessed the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship Program from 2009 to 2014, confirming the program’s success in reaching diverse and economically disadvantaged students. The evaluation also underscored the scholarship’s positive influence on recipients’ motivation to pursue college education and its critical role in making college financially accessible for them. While the Kaiser Permanente Northwest Health Care Career Scholarship Program has concluded, its legacy of empowering future healthcare professionals and promoting diversity in the field remains significant.
