THE EDUCATION FUND
SEIU & JOINT EMPLOYER EDUCATION FUND
The Education Fund (or simply “the Ed Fund”) is a partnership between healthcare industry employers and SEIU local unions, funded by collectively bargained employer contributions to provide education and training benefits for over 105,000 eligible healthcare workers. Our mission is to empower our diverse healthcare workforce to advance in a changing environment through innovative education and training solutions.
The Ed Fund benefit is available as a result of collective bargaining and is currently available to SEIU Local 49 members at: Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health, Columbia Memorial Hospital, Samaritan Health Services, PeaceHealth, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette, Planned Parenthood Southwest Oregon, and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.
Through the Education Fund’s partnership with SEIU Local 49, eligible members are able to train for a new healthcare career, get the continuing education they need in their current role, or simply learn new skills that can help in their day-to-day lives and jobs. In addition, with one-on-one career counseling available to all, the Education Fund is there to help you determine your next step and achieve your goals. These programs and services are an employer-paid benefit funded by collectively bargained employer contributions.
A First Step Toward a Career in Nutrition
Mohammed is starting his journey to become a dietician by working on his Associates degree with help from the Education Fund’s College Courses program. “The benefits I received through the Education Fund have been a great support in helping me move toward my career goal of becoming a dietitian. They have helped ease the financial burden of pursuing education, allowing me to focus more on my studies and career planning. The support has also motivated me to stay committed and confident in making this career change, knowing that I have resources and guidance available to help me succeed.”
Mohammed Shaheeb
Cook II, Legacy Health Good Samaritan Hospital
Your Education Fund Benefits
Preparation & Critical Skills
Short-term Courses: Computer Classes, Medical Terminology, Foundational Math/Science, Online Soft Skills Courses, Critical Skills Webinars, Language Programs and more.
Continuing Education
CEU Classes: Eligible members have access to multiple accredited continuing education vendors that provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) both online and in-person, at no additional expense. Some partners offer continuing education for specific healthcare roles, while others provide CEUs across most areas of healthcare. Eligible members can review and apply for the list of continuing education partners through their MyEdFund portal.
Certification & Licensure Reimbursement: The Education Fund offers reimbursement of up to $1,500 annually for costs related to Continuing Education Units (CEUs/CMEs), specialty certifications, license fees, study materials/test preparation, professional membership costs, student screening, and more. Visit the Ed Fund website to see what other expenses are eligible for reimbursement and get started.
AHA Certifications: The Education Fund has made it convenient for eligible members to obtain a new card or renew an existing one through Cascade Training Solutions, a trusted educational partner offering classes at multiple locations throughout Oregon and Washington. Cascade Training Solutions offers robust class calendars designed to accommodate busy healthcare workers seeking AHA certifications, including BLS/CPR, ACLS, PALS, and more.
Career Advice
1-on-1 Career Counseling: Not sure about your next steps? The Education Fund offers career counseling to empower, motivate, educate, and prepare workers who want to advance their careers in healthcare. Career counseling support helps members navigate and achieve their academic and career goals.
From Cook to Operating Room Assistant
Lerato Zulu’s journey from Cook to Operating Room Assistant at Legacy Health shows the power of the Education Fund in helping individuals unlock new opportunities and career advancement. With the support of the Education Fund’s CNA pathway program, Lerato completed her CNA 1 certification and was able to transition into a new department.
Lerato Zulu,
Operating Room Assistant, Legacy Health
Train for a New Position, Certificate or Degree
College Courses: The Education Fund partners with local community colleges to provide support for general education and prerequisite courses for eligible members. Upon acceptance, participants can receive financial assistance for up to six courses per calendar year, with a maximum of two courses per quarter, as well as ongoing career guidance, tutoring services, and online preparation support.
Tuition Support: The Education Fund provides financial assistance to eligible members who want to move up the healthcare career ladder with their employer through educational training programs. Accepted applicants may receive reimbursement of up to $5,250 per training program for education expenses leading to a degree or certificate, including tuition, required textbooks, required student fees, and license or certification exam fees.
Wage Replacement: Upon final acceptance, eligible members at select employers (Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health System, PeaceHealth, and Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette only) working full-time or part-time benefited positions will be allowed to reduce their work schedule by as many as two (2) hired shifts a pay period to attend classes, study, or participate in clinical or internship experience. Participants receive payments from the Education Fund for the hours they reduce up to the lifetime cap of $10,000 per employee.
Career Pathways: In collaboration with contributing employers and SEIU Local 49, the Education Fund offers degree and certificate programs tailored to the identified high job and training needs at the employer. Opportunities vary by each employer and availability.
Job-to-Job: We provide support for workers going through Layoff / Reduction in Force (RIF) by reimbursing up to $5,000 for costs of attending an accredited training program, and for time spent (Wage Replacement), while attending an accredited training program, up to 500 hours.
From Dental Care to IT: A New Career Path
After 11 years as a Dental Assistant at Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Natosha decided she was ready for a career change. She enrolled in programs covering both Cybersecurity and Network Administration, using both the Ed Fund’s Wage Replacement and Pathway programs along the way. Wage Replacement helped free up the time she needed for coursework and for her family. She graduated with honors in both subjects. “The Ed Fund’s Pathway program guided me towards my goals. The Wage Replacement program was a huge help to allow me to have extra time to spend on school. This also helped by freeing up time to spend with my family when they are home. The Ed Fund is a great tool to use.”
Natosha Newton,
Dental Assistant, Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Ready to Get Started? Have Questions?
The best first step is to register for our member portal, MyEdFund, and log in to make an appointment with a Regional Coordinator or Career Counselor.
To learn more, visit the Education Fund website.