Educational Assistance, Progress Update

At the BCH Foundation, we believe it is imperative to invest in the professional growth and physical and mental health of BCH’s greatest asset – the staff and physicians providing care to the community. Through the generosity of our community and the Hoover Family Center for Education Excellence we have been able to support our dedicated workforce through: 

• Increased tuition reimbursement: tuition assistance, books and fees for degree programs (Examples: Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Advance Practice Providers: Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Midwife) up to $5,250 annually. 
• Continuing Education: reimbursing for training required to maintain licensure or certification (Examples: short courses, conferences, webinars). 
• Certification: Offering reimbursement for obtaining or renewing certification (Examples: coursework, training, testing, recertification fees). 

Launched in 2022, the Hoover Family Center for Education Excellence has become a cornerstone in realizing the BCH Foundation's vision for workforce development. In the past two years Boulder Community Health has witnessed remarkable growth offering educational support to over 715 employees across nine departments. In 2023 alone, the program disbursed $325,798 in educational assistance directly impacting 373 BCH employees. 

“I am a second-career nurse who started working at BCH during nursing school. I paid my own way through school, and because the pandemic disrupted my previous income source, I had to work throughout nursing school. I felt so lucky when I realized that I'd be eligible for educational assistance from BCH by the time I was in my last semester of nursing school. That funding meant that I didn't have to pick up more shifts than I felt like I could handle to make ends meet and instead I could dedicate as much time as I needed to my studies. After that semester, I passed the nursing test on my first try and now I am a full-fledged Registered Nurse at BCH! I am so grateful to the generous donors who supported my education and now I can pay that kindness forward working as a nurse in my community.” - Registered Nurse at Boulder Community Health 

The tangible impact of these initiatives is evident in the organizational metrics. The overall staff turnover rate at BCH decreased from 29% in 2021 to 21% in 2023, with a retention rate of 92% for employees who utilized educational assistance funds, significantly surpassing the 79% overall retention rate.  

In prioritizing the growth and well-being of BCH’s workforce, the BCH Foundation not only cultivates a culture of continuous improvement within the organization but also positively impacts the broader community. Through strategic investments in education and professional development, BCH ensures that its employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver exceptional health care.  

Help us support furthering educational opportunities for BCH staff.  

Learn more about the BCH Foundation.