Blue Shield of California Funds $80K in San Diego Medical Training Scholarships
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan has launched a scholarship initiative totaling $80,000 for students at the Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute (LRMAI). This program, managed by the Family Health Centers of San Diego, aims to enhance workforce development in the health sector.
Supporting Healthcare Education in San Diego
The scholarship program supports students enrolling in the 2026 cohorts of the LRMAI. The first cohort will commence training in January 2026. This initiative reflects Blue Shield Promise’s commitment to creating a fair and sustainable healthcare system for underserved communities in San Diego County.
Program Details
- Total Investment: $80,000
- Cohort Start Date: January 2026
- Total Instruction Hours: 710
- Program Formats: Full-time and part-time
Graduates will be prepared to work as medical assistants in the local healthcare sector. Jennifer Schirmer, Vice President of Medi-Cal Growth at Blue Shield Promise, emphasized that this initiative creates opportunities to grow the region’s healthcare workforce.
Flexible Opportunities for Recipients
Unlike existing scholarships, Blue Shield Promise’s funds do not impose employment and repayment requirements. This flexibility allows recipients to pursue various career opportunities within the San Diego healthcare landscape.
Fran Butler-Cohen, CEO of Family Health Centers of San Diego, noted that this sponsorship is a direct investment in the future of community health care. Expanding access to medical assistant training is crucial for addressing workforce shortages and improving healthcare accessibility for all residents.
History and Future Plans
This initiative builds on the existing partnership that began in 2022 with a $1 million grant to expand cardiac care services in eastern San Diego County. The funds contributed to the establishment of the El Cajon Urgent and Cardiac Care Center, demonstrating Blue Shield’s ongoing commitment to enhancing health services.
Open House Information
An open house for the Medical Assistant program will take place at the Oak Park Family Health Center. Here are the details:
- Date: December 16, 2025
- Time: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Location: 5160 Federal Blvd. #150, San Diego, CA 92105
For further information about the Medical Assistant program, interested individuals can visit the Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute’s website.
About Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, a managed care organization, focuses on serving Medi-Cal members. With approximately 580,000 members across Los Angeles and San Diego counties, it emphasizes a “members-first” approach and partners with local organizations to provide quality healthcare. In the 2024 NCQA Medicaid Health Plan Ratings, it received a rating of 4 out of 5.
