Scottsdale Community College is launching a new program in the spring semester to address the need for community health workers. Ten students entering the new Community Health Worker program will have a chance at a $1,000 scholarship funded by the Mercy Care not-for-profit Medicaid managed-care health plan.
Community health workers — also known as health advocates, outreach educators or health promoters — these positions serve as a bridge between health care providers, said Melanie Burm, SCC's director of external affairs, workforce development and community partnership.
“These individuals are frontline. They are out there. They know their populations and so they play a pivotal part in that the community member is understood and their needs are met and in a way that’s culturally appropriate," she said.
These positions have been essential during the pandemic and job opportunities in this field are expected to grow, Burm added.
“Right now the growth in the field is projected to be between 17% and 23% meaning that right now we have approximately a little over 500 in the state of Arizona and that number is expected to grow upwards to the mid-600s in the next few years," she said.
The scholarships will cover most of the cost for the 16-18 credit program. Applicants must be an Arizona resident and enrolled in at least two classes in the program to be eligible. The scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
