Overview
Led by SIUE's Public Health programs, the University is pleased to partner with the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) to offer a free Alternative Digital Credential for new healthcare professionals or for those wishing to enter the field of public health or other related healthcare fields. The training, offered through IPHA, is made possible through Healthcare Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) funds which may be available through fall 2025 to train Community Health Workers. Referred to as the CHW 101, these online 8-week training sessions are designed to help cohorts of learners work in their communities, responding compassionately and equitably to health concerns of the population. To learn more about the program or to apply, interested individuals must contact CHW101support@ipha.com or visit https://www.helpguidethrive.org/.
Program Requirements for CHW 101 (IPHA Community Healthcare Worker)
- Be a US citizen
- Be a resident of Illinois
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a high school grad or have a GED
- Complete the application, screening and a W9 form (provided by IPHA)
Details Regarding Stipends and Tuition Reimbursement for Students
For CHW 101
- Students receive books and the training at no cost to participants
- SIUE will award each participant who completes CHW 101 a digital credential and will provide information on next steps for pursuing Public Health or other health related fields of study at SIUE
- Individuals considering the undergraduate program in Public Health may earn three hours of elective credit for completing the CHW 101 program*
Opportunity for Tuition Reimbursement to SIUE
- IPHA may pay up to $3000 per participant for tuition and fee coverage.
- If a CHW 101 participant registers in a Public Health program at SIUE **, IPHA and the student would supply information to SIUE for each of the students who have completed training and:
- SIUE may:
- provide internal verification of the students' program and current outstanding charges
- bill IPHA for up to $3,000 per student to apply toward the student bill
Opportunity for IPHA Stipends
These stipends are directly managed by IPHA and students must meet IPHA's requirements for providing documentation to receive stipends. SIUE will not provide protected student information to IPHA- $500 after completing CHW 101
- $1000 for signing up for classes at SIUE
- $1500 for completing semester 1 with passing score
- $750 for completing semester 2 with passing score
* Departmental approval required
**Students in other Healthcare Related programs of study may also be considered for this funding
