CAMARILLO, Calif. - TelAve -- Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced the launch of a groundbreaking scholarship program that aims to develop a more diverse behavioral health workforce to ensure Ventura County residents have access to culturally responsive care. The $1.5 million initiative is funded through the state Department of Health Care Services' Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program (SBHIP), which aims to expand access to behavioral health services for children and adolescents enrolled in Medi-Cal.

The scholarships will support students who are planning to become direct behavioral health service providers to obtain the necessary post-secondary education at all levels, from certification programs for Community Health Workers to doctoral degrees for future psychologists or medical school for future psychiatrists. The scholarships will be distributed through partnerships with:

• Mixteco / Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP): Prioritizes students from Mexican Indigenous backgrounds or farmworking families.
• Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF): Prioritizes Ventura County residents who are current or former Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Eligible applicants include first-generation college students, foster youth, or individuals with justice-system involvement. The program also encourages applications from individuals with multilingual proficiency in languages such as Spanish, Mixteco, Tagalog, or American Sign Language. Additionally, priority will be given to residents living in geographic areas that often experience limited access to health care services.

"This scholarship program is a vital step toward building a behavioral health workforce that mirrors the communities of Ventura County and ensures that all residents, especially the most vulnerable, have access to compassionate, culturally responsive care," said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP's acting chief executive officer (CEO). "When providers reflect the backgrounds and experiences of the populations they serve, it fosters trust, improves communication, and leads to better health outcomes."

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MICOP will manage $750,000 over six academic years. Their application period is open now through Dec. 1, 2024, for the Spring semester. Those who are interested can apply here: https://mixteco.org/community-organizing-policy-advocacy/tequioscholarship/.

"MICOP is thrilled to partner on this groundbreaking investment in behavioral health scholarships for Indigenous migrant students and those from farmworking families in Ventura County," said MICOP Associate Director Genevieve Flores-Haro. "This initiative is not just about filling gaps in the behavioral health workforce; it's about nurturing the next generation of compassionate practitioners—from community health care workers (promotoras) to licensed therapists—who, in turn, will be ready to serve our communities here in Ventura County with cultural and linguistic care."

VCCF will provide annual awards of approximately $26,250, funded through a $750,000 endowment, with distributions beginning in Fall 2026 and continuing forward in perpetuity.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gold Coast Health Plan for establishing the GCHP Behavioral Health Scholarship Fund, a transformative initiative supporting Ventura County residents pursuing education in behavioral and mental health," said VCCF Scholarship Director Kirsti Thomspon. "This scholarship not only opens doors for local students but also strengthens our community's future, as awardees commit to meeting critical behavioral and mental health needs here in Ventura County upon graduation. We are proud to partner with Gold Coast Health Plan in fostering a healthier, more resilient community."

Designed to reduce financial barriers, the scholarships can be used for tuition, books, and living expenses, ensuring recipients can focus on their education and professional development.

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The Scholarship amounts by educational level are as follows:

• Certification programs: Up to $10,000 (MICOP), $3,500 (VCCF)
• Associate degrees: Up to $15,000 (MICOP), $5,500 (VCCF)
• Bachelor's degrees: Up to $20,000 (MICOP), $7,500 (VCCF)
• Graduate and professional programs: Up to $25,000 (MICOP), $9,500 (VCCF)

About Gold Coast Health Plan
Gold Coast Health Plan proudly serves nearly 250,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County through its network of primary care physicians, specialists, behavioral health providers and hospitals. Since it was founded in 2011, Gold Coast Health Plan has been committed to providing access to high-quality care and improving the health of its members, which include 1 in 3 county residents, 1 in 6 seniors, and 1 in 2 children up to the age of 5. To learn more, visit: www.goldcoasthealthplan.org.

About the Mixteco / Indigena Community Organizing Project
The Mixteco / Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) is dedicated to supporting, organizing, and empowering the indigenous migrant communities along California's Central Coast. With over 20 programs operating in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, MICOP provides vital direct assistance, community organizing initiatives and policy advocacy work. To learn more about our work, please visit www.mixteco.org.

About the Ventura County Community Foundation
Established in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation has focused on building philanthropy in our region by stewarding legacies through careful management of the charitable capital entrusted to us. We are committed to a long-term perspective for Ventura County. We honor donor intent by protecting endowments forever and we specialize in connecting philanthropic resources with community needs for the benefit of all. We invest in the future through scholarships, grant making and collaborative partnerships. Visit www.vccf.org.