Minnesota West encouraging applications for CHW Certificates

Parents planning to earn a Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate at Minnesota West Community and Technical College must apply for funding and support through the Student Parent Support Initiative (SPSI) by Dec. 22.

Funded by the Minnesota Department of Higher Education, this initiative is designed to help student parents succeed in completing the CHW Certificate program by providing financial assistance, personalized guidance and access to valuable resources.

Applicants must live in Minnesota, be pregnant or a parent as defined by state statute, plan to enroll in the CHW Certificate program starting January 2026 and commit to finishing the program by July 31, 2026.

Included in the initiative are: full tuition assistance for the 100% online CHW Certificate program; a $1,000 cash stipend ($500 at the program's start) to help with childcare, technology or other needs; one-on-one support from a CHW program coordinator; connections to resources like WIC, SNAP, MNsure and free clinics; monthly group sessions focused on health and wellness for families; and more.