Stanislaus State’s inaugural 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign received a boost with a major show of local support: HealthForce Partners Northern San Joaquin Valley has pledged an additional $200,000 to the Health Graduate Degree Educational Expenses Scholarship Fund.
The gift builds on an ongoing collaboration between Stan State and HealthForce Partners to expand the region’s healthcare workforce. It will provide critical financial support for graduate students pursuing degrees in social work, marriage and family therapy and counseling, with a preference for students from San Joaquin County.
“We are profoundly grateful to HealthForce Partners for once again investing in our students and our region” said Stanislaus State President Britt Rios-Ellis. “Their longstanding dedication to fueling the transformation from students to exceptional healthcare professionals is improving the care each one of us receives in the Central Valley. Announcing this newest investment during 1,960 Minutes of Giving is especially powerful. It reminds us of what is possible when we come together through intentional partnerships.
“We’re especially excited to see $75,000 directly support aspiring nurses in San Joaquin County, a community at the heart of our efforts to expand access, uplift families and strengthen the healthcare workforce in a region facing one of the most severe provider shortages in the country. Together, we are leading the way in expanding pathways by building a workforce that is deeply connected to and understands the complexities of this region.”
The new contribution follows previous gifts of $210,000 awarded in 2023 and $100,000 awarded in 2024, all aimed at addressing a persistent shortage of mental and behavioral health care providers in the region. Through this initiative, eligible students can receive awards of up to $5,000 to help them complete their graduate education and launch their careers close to home.
HealthForce Partners Executive Director Paul Lanning emphasized the broader impact of the scholarships.
"These scholarships will yield returns for generations because the recipients aren't just future healthcare professionals, they're community members who understand local needs and will practice right here where their skills are most needed,” Lanning said. “By removing financial barriers to these critical professions, we're building a healthcare ecosystem that truly reflects and responds to the unique challenges and strengths of our region.”
Since its founding in 2018, HealthForce Partners has been a vital ally in Stan State’s efforts to strengthen local health systems. Focused on alleviating healthcare staffing shortages across Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Merced counties, the nonprofit works closely with education, workforce and healthcare leaders to recruit, train and retain healthcare professionals who reflect and serve the Valley’s diverse communities.
The Health Graduate Degree Educational Expenses Scholarship Fund specifically supports students enrolled in Stan State’s Master of Social Work, Master of Arts in Counseling (Professional Clinical Counselor) and marriage and family therapy programs. Students must demonstrate financial need and meet academic standards, with additional consideration given to those working with community-based organizations in San Joaquin County.
HealthForce Partners’ gift is just one example of the collective impact possible during 1960 Minutes of Giving.
“Through these investments, Stanislaus State is not only amplifying a powerful signal, but we are helping drive real solutions to the healthcare challenges facing our region,” Rios-Ellis said. “Our students are ready and are essential to the future of the health and well-being of the Central Valley. When Stan State thrives, the Central Valley thrives.”
