Celebrating our 20th Anniversary

We’re thrilled to kick off a year-long celebration of the Education Fund’s 20th Anniversary! Join us on this incredible journey as we reflect on two decades of empowering minds, transforming lives, and making education accessible to all. Let’s celebrate 20 years of educational excellence, innovation, and countless success stories. Check back for updates, and join us as we pave the way for an even brighter future through education.

From 2004 to today

Since our inception in 2004, the Education Fund has expanded to include 22 hospitals and health systems, benefiting approximately 105,000 eligible union members. Our mission is to promote fairness and inclusivity by creating pathways for career advancement that cater to the diverse needs of our communities. Nearly 70% of our learners come from diverse backgrounds, and around 80% are women. Through formal partnerships with major healthcare employers, we’re able to offer valuable career advancement opportunities in high-demand fields. Notably, graduates of our programs often experience a significant increase in their wages, with an average rise of 45% in family-sustaining union jobs. Learn more about our growth in our most recent Annual Report.

25 Years of the Shirley Ware Education Center: Legacy of a Powerhouse

The Shirley Ware Education Center (SWEC) is a beacon of learning and empowerment, enriching countless lives and communities through education. Named after Shirley Ware, a powerhouse union leader, SWEC is a testament to her unwavering dedication to education and labor rights. This special video honors Shirley Ware and commemorates the anniversary of the Shirley Ware Education Center. The video also describes how SWEC planted the seeds for what would become the SEIU-UHW & Joint Employer Education Fund.

Celebrating our Learners

The following quotes from current and former program participants help to highlight our growth, tell our story and celebrate their accomplishments of our learners over the past two decades. We hope you will join us in celebrating our learners’ achievements and success.

Why I love the Ed Fund – Earl Munoz

Earl Muñoz shares how the Education Fund eliminated financial barriers, enabling him to pursue his Surgical Tech program while balancing work and school, and supporting his career growth.

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Why I love the Ed Fund – Desiree Felix

Why I love the Ed Fund – Desiree Felix

Desiree Felix’s story highlights how the Education Fund supported her journey toward becoming a NICU Nurse, providing tuition assistance and flexible learning options, ultimately leading to a 48.5% wage increase.

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Why I love the Ed Fund – Teresa Mendoza

Why I love the Ed Fund – Teresa Mendoza

Teresa Mendoza’s story highlights how the Education Fund supported her pursuit of a sterile processing certification, covering all course-related expenses and allowing her to focus on her studies.

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Why I love the Ed Fund – Letonia Watson

Letonia Watson’s story highlights how the Education Fund helped her become a certified medical assistant, improving her career and personal life by providing better financial stability for her family.

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Revisit our Coder Apprenticeship Program

Revisit our Coder Apprenticeship Program

As we mark the twentieth anniversary of the Education Fund, we’re proud to re-share an inspiring video featuring the story of member Sally Rozenblad’s transformative journey through the Education Fund’s Coder Apprenticeship Program.

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How Far We’ve Come

How Far We’ve Come

What better way to celebrate our 20th anniversary than taking a look at how far we’ve come? This peek into the Education Fund’s 2009-2010 annual report shares some of the amazing things we’ve been able to accomplish over the years.

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