Funded by the Student Parent Support Initiative Grant (SPSI) from the Minnesota Department of Higher Education
Funding for Student Parents: Apply Now
Are you a parent planning to earn your Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate? We have funding and support to help you finish your program and succeed.
Who Can Apply?
- You live in Minnesota.
- You are pregnant or a parent. (Parent is defined as “parent or legal guardian of or can claim as a dependent a child under the age of 18” by Sec. 135A.1582 MN Statutes)
- You plan to enroll in the CHW Certificate program starting in January 2026.
- You can commit to finishing the program by July 31st 2026.
What’s Required?
- Take the CHW Certificate program online (it’s 100% virtual).
- Join monthly group meetings and optional office hours.
- Meet with a program coordinator at the start and end of the program.
- Share feedback about your experience.
What You’ll Get
- Tuition assistance for the entire cost of the CHW Certificate program paid directly to Minnesota West Community and Technical College for the 100% virtual program.
- $1,000 cash stipend to help with things like childcare, technology, or other needs. ($500 comes at the start of the program.)
- One-on-one support from a CHW Program Coordinator.
- Help connecting to resources like WIC, SNAP, MNsure, and free clinics.
- Monthly group sessions on health and wellness topics for you and your family.
- Job help: support with internship placement, resume support, and connections to employers.
- Access to the statewide CHW Registry for networking and resources.
Why This Matters
- The program is fully online—no need to worry about transportation or childcare.
- It’s designed for parents, with extra support to help you finish.
- It can lead to great jobs in healthcare and public health.
How to Apply
- Apply for tuition assistance using the application below.
- Go to the Minnesota West Community and Technical College Community Health Worker page for more information on the program.
- Email Roxanne Hayenga: Roxanne.hayenga@mnwest.edu for more information and to register.
- Be prepared to start classes January 6th 2026 and complete all course work, including the 80-hour Internship by July 31, 2026.
If you have questions, email Rachel@mnchwalliance.org.
Applications are due December 22nd and will be awarded on a rolling basis. We will close the application process once all spots are filled which may be before December 22nd.
We only have 25 spots, so apply soon!