Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States has awarded more than $1.5 million in workforce grants to eight institutions of higher education, including five community colleges, in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The grants will provide scholarships for health technology, nursing and allied health education.

The grants will support an estimated 2,404 students with scholarships, equipment and educational training.

Workforce development grant recipients include: Baltimore City Community College Foundation, Howard Community College Educational Foundation, Montgomery College Foundation, Northern Virginia Community College Educational Foundation, Prince George's Community College Foundation, Community College of Baltimore County, University of the District of Columbia and the University System of Maryland Foundation on behalf of The Universities at Shady Grove.

"Kaiser Permanente is a model for the future of healthcare and these workforce development grants demonstrate Kaiser Permanente's commitment to invest in, train and educate tomorrow's healthcare professionals," said Maritha Gay, senior director of external affairs for Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States. "This is not only an investment in education enhancements for future health professionals, but will ultimately impact community health by creating improvements in quality of care."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 of the 20 fastest growing occupations are healthcare related. Also, healthcare is expected to generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs between 2008 and 2018, more than any other industry, largely in response to rapid growth in the elderly population.

Investments in workforce development are part of Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States Community Benefit programs.
 
A list of the awards and how they will be used is on the next page.