Coordinated Care and Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Continue Partnership into Second Year to Address Health Care Workforce Shortages
Date: 09/09/25
Coordinated Care, which provides health care coverage to more than 300,000 members across Washington state, along with the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), today announced the continuation of their partnership with the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) into its second year to expand educational opportunities and strengthen Washington’s health care workforce.
Since Coordinated Care’s $1.3 million investment in WSOS in 2024, the largest investment ever in the WSOS program by a health care organization, the partnership has already had a measurable impact. Coordinated Care’s funding has so far helped more than 190 students pursue health care education – 129 working toward bachelor’s degrees and 64 enrolled in career and technical programs.
"This second year of partnership is about building momentum," said Beth Johnson, President and CEO of Coordinated Care. "We are seeing firsthand how WSOS changes the trajectory for students and families, while also helping communities meet the urgent need for local, skilled health care workers. It’s a smart investment in both equity and access."
Washington continues to face urgent workforce challenges. According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, health care jobs are projected to grow by more than 20% by 2032. And a recent report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform cited a third of rural hospitals are grappling with staff shortages and at risk of closure. By expanding pathways into nursing, behavioral health, radiologic technology, and other professions, Coordinated Care and WSOS are addressing these gaps head-on.
"This partnership with Coordinated Care is about more than scholarships—it’s about opening doors for students who are ready to serve, ensuring all Washington communities have the skilled health care professionals they need today and in the years ahead," said Isabel Muñoz-Colón, Executive Director, Washington State Opportunity Scholarship.
WSOS’ community support alongside Coordinated Care and the Centene Foundation helps Scholars like Lekasia reach their dreams and make a tangible difference in their community.
"Receiving the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship means so much to me because it made attending college financially possible. This scholarship has allowed me to pay for my tuition and pursue my nursing education. Without this support, I’m not sure I would have been able to attend college or progress as far into my nursing program as I have." – Lekasia, King County, Nursing
Applications for the next round of WSOS scholarships open on September 30, 2025, and close on October 16, 2025. Eligible students can apply at waopportunityscholarship.org.