South Mountain Community College is celebrating a new $80,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare that will strengthen workforce readiness for students in the college’s Behavioral Sciences program. The investment will help students overcome financial barriers to professional training, earn industry-recognized credentials, and prepare for careers supporting the behavioral health and healthcare needs of communities throughout Maricopa County.
Through this grant, UnitedHealthcare is helping SMCC equip students who are pursuing pathways into the helping professions with the training, resources and support they need to transition from the classroom into the workforce. This includes careers serving members of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS).
“I am grateful to partners like UnitedHealthcare who see the need for qualified providers and invest in their education from the beginning,” said Brielle Rawlings-Dube, SMCC’s Behavioral Sciences Faculty and Program Director.
The grant will provide workforce readiness scholarships to help offset essential student expenses, including RELIAS behavioral health training subscriptions, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification materials, Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card application fees and textbook assistance.
This investment is designed to help students complete required training and field-based experiences while building the practical skills and credentials that support their transition into professional roles. By reducing out-of-pocket costs, the funding will help students focus on their education and career preparation rather than the financial obstacles that can delay progress.
In addition to direct student support, the grant includes funding for program coordination and workforce support. This investment will help strengthen connections between students and potential employers, including through career fairs that will provide professional preparation that goes beyond the classroom.
The impact of this partnership will directly contribute to the broader network of providers serving Arizona communities, including individuals and families who rely on AHCCCS and ALTCS services. It reinforces the importance of collaboration among higher education institutions, healthcare partners, and community organizations in addressing workforce needs.
It not only represents an investment in just student success, but the future of Arizona’s healthcare workforce as well.
“Helping our students to be workforce ready is so valuable, not only for their careers, but for our community,” said Rawlings-Dube.